New York baseball fans might need to calibrate themselves—MLB analyst Anthony Castrovince has carried out a harsh reality check. The Yankees and Mets might miss the playoffs? Well, that would shake up the league, wouldn’t it? Injuries, roster problems, and rigorous competition could spell disaster for both teams, even with their star-peppered lineups.

For the Yankees, Aaron Judge’s health is still a looming question mark. Injuries have cursed him throughout his career. He played just 158 games in 2024, 106 in 2023, and 157 in 2022. Castrovince pointed out, “If he has a season in which he is not able to post up in, say, 25-33 percent of this team’s games again, I think there is a very real possibility… the Yankees finish under .500 for the first time since 1992.” That would be a nightmare scenario for a franchise built on winning.

Beyond Judge, the Yankees have other issues, too. The rotation is hit by wounds, with Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt sidelined. The move of Juan Soto also left the team to struggle alone. The AL East remains brutal, with the Orioles turning up as a powerhouse and the Rays and Blue Jays still unassailable. If pitching gets cold feet and injuries mount, the Yankees could fall short of expectations.

The Mets are not projected to finish under .500, but their playoff chances remain bleak. The National League is stacked, and pitching depth is an issue. Kodai Senga’s injury leaves a gap, and as Castrovince predicts, “If the Phillies and Braves have healthy years, I would take their pitching staffs over that of the Mets.” That is a tough reality for a team that burns out big to contend.

Adding Juan Soto made captions, but even an elite bat does not ensure a playoff spot. The Mets thrived in one-run games last season, going 27-16, but luck does not always support. No matter what, the Wild Card race will be brutal, with the Cubs, Dodgers, Braves, and Diamondbacks in the mix. 

Can New York prove the MLB doubters wrong?

MLB is unpredictable. Just last year, the Blue Jays were expected to succeed but collapsed due to injuries and an offensive slump. In addition, the Rays, known for pitching and defense, shocked everyone by ranking 15th in OPS and runs scored. Well, that’s why they are just predictions.

The Yankees, despite issues, have a deep roster. Their rotation—Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Carrasco, and Will Warren—has plenty of upside, even with injuries. The infield battle between Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera shows their depth. Judge, Jasson Domínguez, and Cody Bellinger lead a strong outfield. If Judge stays healthy and the rotation holds up, the Yankees can prove doubters wrong.

The Mets also have a slice of surprise. Their rotation—Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, David Peterson, and Senga—is rigid than critics claim. Holmes, now a starter, posted a 3.14 ERA with 30 saves last season. Megill had a 2.32 ERA over his final six starts. Canning dominated spring training with a 1.88 ERA. Paul Blackburn is available for a six-man setup if needed. So, NYM also has options.

With a proactive front office and a fortified offense, the Mets can stay competitive. If their pitching holds up and the lineup induces, a playoff spot is within reach.

Wizards’ predictions shape expectations, but the MLB world is never that simple. The Yankees and Mets have the talent to challenge. Hoping for turning the tables into a postseason run won’t all be illogical, isn’t it?