The New York Yankees didn’t have a terrible 2024 season—but let’s be real, it wasn’t the Yankees way. Since Hal Steinbrenner’s time, the Yankees have been all about putting the best performance on the field and being a benchmark for all others. That got changed in the last few years, and now the Yankees are accused of being a third fiddle behind the Mets and Dodgers. 

Now, heading into 2025, the Yankees are at a turning point. Their reputation has taken a hit; the Mets and Dodgers are stealing the headlines, and they didn’t exactly go all-in this offseason. So, what’s the plan? And more importantly—can the Yankees get their swagger back?

Leaving the past 2024 debacle 

If you’re calling last season a disaster, take a breath. The Yankees finished 94-68, won the AL East, and led the American League in scoring with 815 runs. That’s not exactly a collapse. Sure, it could’ve ended differently—especially if Aaron Judge hadn’t dropped that infamous ball in Game 5 of the ALCS. Yankees fans will replay that moment in their heads forever, wondering what could’ve been.

But inside the clubhouse, there’s no dwelling on the past. Gerrit Cole summed it up best: “It was a good push for us. We’re proud of what we did, and it’s another log on your fire that inspires you to put the work in.” Losing to the Dodgers last year might just be the fuel this team needs. Now, it’s all about redemption.

A new-look Yankees squad

The Yankees currently are different from what they were previously known for. Once called the evil empire with all the big names on the team, they are now a shadow of their past. Instead, this team is evolving—leaning on a mix of experienced leaders and young talent. There are veterans like Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu playing for the NY Yankees, while rookies like Jasson Dominguez are taking the limelight this year. Will they succeed with this team? 

The Yankees GM Aaron Boone thinks so. Even though they stayed low this offseason, even losing out to the Mets for Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers, Boone is depending on the young blood this time. There are still gaps to fill, like the injury to LeMahieu is posing a gap at the base, and reportedly the Yankees are in talks with the Cardinals about getting Nolan Arenado. The offseason is still on, and fans can expect a few more fireworks to be added to the team.

The Yankees are coming as a new-age team this year, and a comeback is on the cards if everything goes right. Fans do hope that this new team can leave past their last year’s debacle. 

What do you think about the Yankees’ chance this year?