TAMPA, Florida — Yankees manager Aaron Boone returned to the spotlight, addressing the media from his familiar position. In a poetic reflection on the optimism that envelops the baseball world this time of year, Boone engaged in a welcome-back press conference on what marked the unofficial start of the 2025 season.
While it was a day of anticipation at the ballpark, with only a few players making brief appearances to drop off belongings, notable names like Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Aaron Judge remained out of sight as the Yankees’ baseball activities were set to commence the following day.
Boone’s words marked the beginning of what promises to be an intriguing spring training for the Yankees. Following a successful yet ultimately disappointing 2024 season, Boone will spend the next six weeks readying his team for the upcoming six-month grind of regular-season baseball. The tumultuous offseason, highlighted by Juan Soto’s move and GM Brian Cashman’s strategic maneuvers, adds further pressure on Boone, who faces the challenge of integrating new pieces into the lineup.
As the arrival of pitchers and catchers kickstarts spring training, here are some key questions and storylines facing Boone and the Yankees:
**1. Who will secure the starting third base position?**
With Gleyber Torres departing in free agency and Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting to second base, the Yankees are left with a void at third base. Options include DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Jorbit Vivas. Boone expressed optimism about the competition for the spot and hinted at LeMahieu as a strong contender, despite concerns about his age and recent performance.
Boone emphasized the importance of LeMahieu staying healthy and regaining his form, acknowledging the challenges the veteran infielder faced in the previous season. While doubts linger about LeMahieu’s productivity going forward, Boone remains hopeful that he can contribute effectively given the team’s overall strengths.
**2. What lies ahead for Marcus Stroman?**
After signing with the Yankees last winter, Stroman’s performance in 2024 was inconsistent, culminating in his exclusion from the ALCS roster. With the addition of Max Fried to the rotation, Stroman faces increased competition for a starting role, alongside Cole, Rodón, Schmidt, and Gil.
Stroman’s future with the team appears uncertain as he navigates a crowded pitching staff. Despite his struggles in the latter part of the previous season, Stroman will need to prove himself to secure a prominent role in the rotation moving forward.
In the upcoming season, Stroman is faced with the possibility of starting in New York’s bullpen or being traded to another team. This situation has sparked numerous trade rumors, with the Yankees likely needing to cover a portion of Stroman’s $18.5 million salary for the season if they decide to move him.
Manager Boone acknowledged the awkwardness surrounding the situation, given the speculation circulating during the off-season. However, he expressed confidence in Stroman’s focus and physical readiness for the season ahead. The outcome may change leading up to Opening Day, as seen last year with Gil’s unexpected emergence. Stroman’s performance in training camp will play a crucial role in determining the Yankees’ ability to execute a trade involving the seasoned pitcher.
Another storyline to keep an eye on is the backup catcher position. With Wells solidifying himself as a key player and Trevino departing for Cincinnati, the Yankees find themselves somewhat short-handed in the catching department. Candidates vying for the role include Jackson, Escarra, and Hernandez, each bringing their own set of skills and experience to the mix.
While Wells shows promise as a standout player, the catcher position is known for its volatility and susceptibility to injuries. In the event that Wells faces a significant absence, the Yankees could find themselves in a precarious situation. With veteran catchers still available in free agency, such as Gomes, Grandal, and McCann, the Yankees may opt to secure a backup sooner rather than later to bolster their lineup.
Looking ahead, the Yankees aim to maintain an edge that propels them to success in the upcoming season. Reflecting on the motivation drawn from missing the playoffs in 2023, Boone emphasized the importance of finding that driving force for the 2025 team. Whether drawing inspiration from past setbacks, the departure of key players like Soto, or the sense of urgency tied to Boone’s contract status, the Yankees seek to cultivate a competitive spirit that fuels their pursuit of excellence.
As they enter a new season, the Yankees embark on a journey to discover the intangible spark that will propel them towards their goals.
