The New York Yankees’ offseason, which had initially shown promise, has quickly turned into a nightmare as injuries have crippled the team ahead of Opening Day.
The Yankees had high hopes for their pitching rotation after adding two-time All-Star Max Fried to the roster with an eight-year, $218 million deal—the largest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher. However, the team now finds itself without 60% of its projected starting rotation due to injuries.
The front office had also expected big contributions from Giancarlo Stanton, who was expected to fill the major void left by Juan Soto in the lineup after hitting 27 home runs in 2024. However, Stanton’s status remains uncertain, as there is currently no timeline for when he can resume baseball activities.
Additionally, the Yankees had plans for D.J. LeMahieu, who has been frequently sidelined by injuries, to compete for the third base position, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. moving back to second base. Unfortunately, those plans never came to fruition.
As the team approaches Opening Day, the Yankees have placed eight players on the injured list. The breakdown of those currently on the IL includes:
- Pitcher Clayton Beeter: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with right shoulder impingement.
- Pitcher J.T. Brubaker: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with left rib fractures.
- Pitcher Scott Effross: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with left hamstring strain.
- Pitcher Ian Hamilton: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with viral illness.
- Pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with right elbow surgery recovery.
- Pitcher Clarke Schmidt: 15-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with right rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Infielder D.J. LeMahieu: 10-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with left calf strain.
- Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton: 10-day IL (retroactive to 3/24) with right and left elbow epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
Earlier on March 26, 2025, the Yankees also made additional roster moves, including optioning RHP Yerry de los Santos to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and placing RHP Clayton Beeter on the 15-day IL for a right shoulder impingement.
Adding to the team’s injury woes, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will not return until June due to a lat strain.
The Yankees, now dealing with a significantly depleted roster, will begin their regular season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.