A month ago, New York Yankees fans were full of optimism. The team’s front office had taken an aggressive approach, making key acquisitions to bolster the roster. They brought in Max Fried to lead the starting rotation, Devin Williams to solidify the bullpen as a dominant closer, and Cody Bellinger to add much-needed left-handed power to the lineup. After falling short in 2024, the Yankees appeared to have built a team capable of reclaiming the AL East title. However, that excitement has since been overshadowed by growing concerns over injuries.
As spring training has progressed, that initial confidence has turned into anxious glances toward the team’s medical staff. The most significant blow came with Gerrit Cole’s elbow inflammation, which sent shockwaves through the fanbase and served as a stark reminder of how fragile a championship window can be. In addition, Anthony Rizzo has been dealing with back issues, and several key depth players have also been sidelined due to various ailments. Given the Yankees’ history of struggling with injuries in recent seasons, fans are now wondering whether these setbacks are just temporary hurdles or early signs of another disappointing campaign.
Despite the growing concern, not everyone is ready to write off the season. Some, like sports radio host Evan Roberts, remain steadfast in their belief that the Yankees will still emerge as AL East champions. During a recent discussion, he expressed strong confidence in the team, stating that he sees no reason to believe this season will be a lost cause.
His optimism isn’t without reasoning. While Cole’s absence is a significant setback, Roberts believes the Yankees still possess a strong rotation with Fried, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt capable of holding the fort. The addition of Williams to the bullpen also addresses the team’s previous struggles in closing out games. Offensively, having Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger at the heart of the lineup should provide enough firepower to keep the team competitive.
Yankees fans, however, remain cautious. They have seen this pattern before—an early-season surge, followed by injuries that derail the team’s momentum, ultimately leading to another October where someone else is celebrating. Yet, Roberts argues that this year is different. The current roster isn’t just built to win; it is built to withstand challenges. Unlike in past seasons, the team isn’t relying on an aging rotation, but instead on a mix of proven talent and depth that can help navigate the rigors of a long season.
Nevertheless, the path to an AL East title will not be easy. The division remains highly competitive, and every game will be crucial. The Baltimore Orioles, once considered an underdog, have now become a legitimate powerhouse, led by young stars such as Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays, despite some offseason setbacks, still possess elite talent in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays have a long-standing reputation for turning under-the-radar players into key contributors, consistently fielding a 90-win team.
For the Yankees, simply being good won’t be enough—they must be great. Injuries are unpredictable, and preseason expectations mean little if key players remain sidelined. Falling into an early-season slump could be costly in such a competitive division, as teams like the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Rays are unlikely to slow down. Every series against these rivals will feel like a playoff battle, and a slow start in April or May could force the Yankees into playing catch-up for the remainder of the season.
While Roberts maintains his confidence, the Yankees will have to prove their resilience over the course of the season. The AL East is always a grueling challenge, and with expectations high, the team must show they can not only compete but also endure setbacks without losing momentum. As opening day approaches, all eyes will be on whether this Yankees squad can rise above adversity or if injuries will once again define their season.