3 Yankees starts that feel sustainable, 2 that feel like fool's gold

The season is young, but hot starts can make even the the most realistic fans and media members wonder if what they are seeing is legitimate or simply a flash in the pan.

Several New York Yankees have gotten off to productive starts this season. There are three players whose recent play might be particularly sustainable, and two others who may not enjoy the same level of success as the season progresses.

3 hot Yankees starts that feel sustainable

3. Aaron Judge

Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been brilliant to begin 2025. Through his first nine games, he slugged six home runs, collected 17 RBI, and earned a 1.310 OPS.

“He’s Aaron Judge,’’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. told the New York Post earlier this month. “Guys keep getting on for him and he keeps on performing and showing why he’s the MVP of the league and one of the best players ever to play the game.”

According to Baseball Savant, the 32-year-old currently ranks in the 100th percentile in Barrel% and xSLG. He seems to be putting together another MVP quality season, and as long as he stays healthy, there is no reason to believe he can't add more hardware to his collection.

2. Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has had a fascinating start to his year. Through the first nine contests, the 27-year-old was tied for second on the team with four home runs. But, he also led the group with 17 strikeouts.

It seems as though Chisholm is on track to be a solid source of power this season, but fans and pundits should expect a fair amount of strikeouts as well. While one could argue that the punch outs are a problem, they have not supremely impacted his power stroke.

Chisholm ranks in the 99th percentile in Barrel% and the 89th percentile in xSLG. It is fair to assume he will continue to post decent marks. Just imagine what the Nassau native could do if he cuts down on strikeouts.

1. Anthony Volpe

Anthony Volpe's play has been a key talking point to start the season for a number of reasons. His use of a torpedo bat caught the attention of many, and has seemed to benefit him from a strategic standpoint. He has also looked more confident at the plate, and has the numbers to back it up.

Volpe has seen an increase both in Barrel% and Exit Velocity so far this season. He has already clubbed four home runs, and while the power marks may not be sustainable, aspects of his approach will be.

The 23-year-old is doing a better job of limiting ground balls, which has resulted in more fly balls that can theoretically carry over the fence or find gaps in the outfield. It is also worth noting that the shortstop is pulling the ball much less.

The torpedo bat has helped, but Volpe's improvement is not simply the result of an equipment upgrade.

2 Yankees starts that feel like fool's gold

2. Trent Grisham

Trent Grisham has been a pleasant surprise thus far. Through his first eight games, the Texas native has bashed three home runs and collected nine RBI, but this early season spurt should not be seen as a sign of things to come.

The veteran has never recorded more than 20 home runs or hit better than .260 in a season. Even if he does have the ability to do so, it is unlikely that he will receive enough playing time to prove it. Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and Cody Bellinger will be the primary outfielders, and once Giancarlo Stanton returns, there will be very little room for reps at designated hitter.

1. Austin Wells

Austin Wells will have a fruitful season, but it will not be a linear process. He cracked a home run during his first plate appearance of the year, and provided instant hope, but he has slowed down since. Certain metrics illustrate that the 25-year-old is still experiencing normal growing pains.

Wells' Chase%, Whiff%, and Pull% are all up from last year's marks. Interestingly, his K% is down and his Hard Hit% is up.

The sample size is small, but these mixed results indicate that Wells is still finding his footing. The Scottsdale native will surely make an impact in his second year as the main catcher, but his torrid start may have been a bit of a tease.