The New York Yankees had one job last season—win it all. Instead, the team collapsed in Game 5 against the Dodgers. Then they lost Juan Soto to the Mets. Now, the Yankees has rolling out a revamped roster and telling everyone they are better. Hal Steinbrenner insists this team is powerful. However, is that just wishful thinking?

With Giancarlo Stanton’s health in spot light and vital offensive losses, doubts are creeping in. At least one top analyst is not convinced this lineup is established to win a World Series and the numbers say he could be right.

The New York Yankees’ front office is banking on a more balanced team. “Some people could disagree with me — but some people will agree with me — I think we have a better team right now than we did a year ago today,” Steinbrenner said to the YES Network a few days ago. The New York Yankees brought in Max Fried, who has 3.18 ERA and Cody Bellinger, scored .881 OPS and 26 HR. The addition of Paul Goldschmidt is another master stroke.

With this star lineup, the Yankees were thinking to cover the weaknesses. However, losing Juan Soto’s .975 OPS and 35 homers is not something you just “replace”. The team’s offense ranked 19th in last year with a .231 team batting average. If they think this lineup is championship material, the numbers say otherwise. And Ben Verlander agrees, especially given Giancarlo Stanton’s injured status.

The FOX Sports analyst is not convinced with the Yankees confidence as a true title contender. “The Yankees lineup is not good enough to win a World Series“, Verlander said. “They are worse this year than they were last year—now more so than ever with Stanton’s uncertainty“.

Stanton, with just 114 games and with a .773 OPS in 2024, is now going through elbow pain. He has not swung a bat in weeks and is set to be “slow-played” through Spring Training. Verlander highlighted, “Nobody knows exactly what is going on.” Beyond Stanton, the New York Yankees’ injury list is already a concern. Clarke Schmidt, Trent Grisham and Jonathan Loáisiga are all working their way back from injuries. This is providing more tension to the Yankees aging lineup.

Can the New York Yankees rotation carry the load?

If the New York Yankees’ lineup feels incomplete, they lean on pitching and hope young stars step up. However, can such an approach truly bridge the gap? With Stanton’s health issue and the offense already downgraded, Jasson Domínguez is now assumed to play a vital role. The Yankees are banking on Domínguez’s power, however, is it too soon?

“And then you are hoping for Jasson Domínguez out of the leadoff spot to really turn the corner“? Ben Verlander questioned. The young talent posted a .179 batting average with an .617 OPS in 2024, lower than 2023. In such a situation, assuming him to anchor the lineup is an unprepared gamble. In addition recovery from Tommy John surgery adds another layer of uncertainty, making this a high-risk move.

Gerrit Cole has enhanced the New York Yankees’ pitching rotation. Despite an elbow injury which restricted him to 17 starts in 2024, Cole provided a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Max Fried, a vital left-hander with a 3.26 ERA, bolsters the rotation alongside Cole. Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortés, and Clarke Schmidt add more depth to the staff. They are cooperatively establishing a formidable starting lineup.

However, star pitching alone does not secure a title. The offense, which ranked 19th in 2024 with a .231 team batting average, needs to enhance to support the pitchers. Aaron Boone faces the issue of ensuring continuous offensive production so that the bats do not go cold at important moments. If Domínguez falters and Giancarlo Stanton’s health issues persist, the New York Yankees could face another early playoff exit.

The Yankees enter 2025 with undeniable talent, but their offensive firepower is still floating in the air. Can the team manage Stanton’s uncertain status and replace Juan Soto’s production? Will their elite rotation have to carry the load? So, the Yankees’ World Series hopes remain anything but guaranteed. What do you think—are they ready for a title run?