The New York Yankees are no strangers to criticism, but this time, the debate hits differently. It’s not just about a slump or a few missteps—it’s about the foundation of their success. After an uneven start to Spring Training in 2025, some are asking: Are the Yankees still the juggernaut they claim to be, or are they simply thriving in a declining league?

WFAN’s Sal Licata and Brandon Tierney didn’t hold back in a recent episode, challenging the perception of the Yankees’ dominance. “The Yankees will be a playoff team because the American League stinks,” Tierney stated bluntly. “We spend more time analyzing the competition than looking at what the Yankees actually have.”

Tierney went on to compare the Yankees and the Mets. Comparing the Mets to their crosstown opponent, he believes they have the “sticks” to win. He said, “The Mets might have to win some 7-6-5-4 games as they get their pitching in order. The good is for the Mets, they got the sticks to do that. I think, really, for the Yankees, it’s kind of the opposite. They might have to win more than a couple of games. That kind of defensive instability generally doesn’t lend itself.”

Fans believe the New York Yankees will likely win the World Series, but this raises an important question: Are they overrated despite outperforming their American League opponents?

Fixing the flaws: How the New York Yankees can shore up

The New York Yankees‘ 2025 Spring Training has shown a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. Prospect Spencer Jones made a strong impact with a three-for-three performance, including a three-run homer, helping the team defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 12-3. However, they faced a setback against the Atlanta Braves, losing 11-1. Such contrasting performances are unexpected for a team like the Yankees, even in spring training games.

Luis Gil’s injury serves as a sobering reminder of how delicate professional sports can be. The New York Yankees’ starting rotation is struggling with Gil’s absence, which might put undue strain on other pitchers and reveal a depth issue. Giancarlo Stanton’s injury worsens the team’s situation. Veteran slugger DJ LeMahieu, is also out due to injuries.

The emergence of young talent offers optimism despite these challenges. The franchise seems poised for a promising future, as prospects like Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez have seized the opportunity during Spring Training to showcase their skills. In limited at-bats, Spencer has been tearing it up with a scorching .429/.500/1.000 slash line, two home runs, and six RBIs. If this is just a preview, the Yankees might have found their next big bat. And Dominguez, ranked 21st in baseball by MLB.com, just put on a Spring Training clinic as he crushed an opposite-field homer and burned up the basepaths with elite speed.

The debates, the doubts, the headlines—none of it will matter when the game is on the line. The true test of the Yankees’ dominance won’t be in spring or summer but in the crisp autumn air of postseason baseball. Despite the criticism, they remain favorites to win it all. Will they rise to the occasion or crumble under the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.