3 bold predictions for the 2025 New York Yankees

The spring was anything but kind to the New York Yankees. Between all of the injuries and preexisting concerns regarding the team's post-Juan Soto lineup, fans and pundits seem to be uneasy about what this year's team can be.

With Opening Day already in the books, it seems like an appropriate time to forecast some outcomes for the 2025 season. For better or for worse, the new campaign promises to be an intriguing, adventure-filled one with twists and turns.

3 bold predictions for the 2025 New York Yankees

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has a true breakout season

Comfort matters, and it could make a huge difference for Jazz Chisholm Jr. in 2025. He made an immediate impact after being traded to New York last season. All told, he hit .273, bashed 11 home runs, and logged an .825 OPS through 46 regular season games as a Yankee.

This production came while the team asked him to play third base regularly for the first time in his career. With how well he performed on the fly with the Yankees, it is fair to argue that he could be in for a monster 2025.

The 27-year-old put up the best statistical year of his career in 2024 thanks in large part to the trade that sent him to the Bronx. During his 2022 All-Star season, he tallied 14 home runs and 45 RBI through 60 games, but a stress fracture in his lower back cut his campaign short.

Given he's had two years to slowly work his way back to form and is returning to a more familiar second base, fans should ge excited about a possible massive breakout for Chisholm.

Jasson Dominguez experiences real growing pains

It may be wishful thinking to assume that Jasson Dominguez will automatically be a reliable bat. Patience will be key when tracking the youngster's 2025 progress.

Dominguez had a decent spring that saw him record a .768 OPS with three home runs, and 12 RBI through 63 plate appearances. He did not contribute much in 2024 since he was coming off of Tommy John surgery, but figures to be a main fixture this summer.

Despite being a switch hitter, the 22-year-old is notably weaker as a right-handed hitter. He had a .415 OPS against lefties last season and a .713 mark against righties. The difference was even more noticeable with a smaller sample size in 2023. During his first stint in pinstripes, he finished with a 1.179 OPS against right-handed pitchers and a .286 OPS against southpaws.

His defensive struggles have also been a key talking point. It's unclear if he will be able to establish himself as a sturdy left fielder. He has looked uncomfortable at the position, and has yet to truly make it his own.

2025 could still be a solid year for Dominguez when all is said and done, but it may not be a smooth process.

Aaron Judge becomes a more vocal captain

Aaron Judge has been a reliable captain on and off the field. But, after last October's disaster, it is fully possible that he will become more vocal.

To be clear, it is doubtful the 32-year-old will suddenly turn into a "rah-rah" sort of leader who makes bold proclamations. However, Judge may end up being more blunt than he was before, and more willing to be an individual who reminds his team that the ultimate goal requires daily commitment.

His attitude regarding last season's World Series could be interpreted as a sign that he is ready to turn the page with a focus on ensuring the Yankees do not let it happen again.

"You think about any loss, you can't really sit there and dwell on it," Judge said. "Whether it's losing Game 1 or losing Game 5, a loss is a loss. We just didn't do our job."

This may not be a development that many will notice (or fully agree with), but if the 2025 Yankees avenge last year's outcome, it would not be surprising to later hear the a more vocal Judge was instrumental in molding a more intense clubhouse culture.