Now that the position players have reported to Spring Training for the 2025 season, here’s what we know: The Yankees are gearing up to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite after a hard-fought World Series appearance in 2024. However, heading into camp, the team is faced with several challenges, including injuries to key players. Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a high level of pain in both elbows, putting his Opening Day status in question. DJ LeMahieu, determined to bounce back from injury struggles, has worked hard to reset his body, hoping to contribute at full strength this season. Austin Wells is easing back into action after a taxing 2024 campaign, with the team taking a cautious approach to his recovery. On a more optimistic note, new addition Cody Bellinger is bringing his championship pedigree to the lineup, ready to help lead the team in any role they need. And with top prospect Jasson Domínguez positioned between two former Rookies of the Year, the Yankees are hopeful he will emerge as a key contributor in 2025. As Spring Training gets underway, the focus is clear: bring championship baseball back to the Bronx.
Giancarlo Stanton dealing with “very high” level of pain in both elbows
Giancarlo Stanton is currently dealing with significant pain in both elbows, a condition that has been troubling him since the latter part of the 2024 season. Manager Aaron Boone has described the injury as “tennis elbow,” and the discomfort has worsened over the offseason, leading Stanton to avoid swinging a bat for the past three to four weeks. The pain has been severe, with Stanton labeling it as “very high” and expressing uncertainty about his ability to be ready for Opening Day on March 27. The Yankees are proceeding with caution, giving Stanton ample time to recover and ensuring he can maintain his long-term health and performance for the season.
Stanton’s clutch performance in the 2024 postseason played a key role in the Yankees’ success, particularly in the ALCS, where he earned ALCS MVP honors. His critical home run in Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians helped push the Yankees to the World Series, reinforcing his reputation as a postseason force. Despite his current injury, Stanton’s impact in October demonstrates just how crucial he is to the Yankees’ lineup when he’s healthy and ready to perform.
Giancarlo Stanton said he is dealing with a “very high” level of pain in both elbows. He has not swung a bat for 3-4 weeks, and is unsure if he can be ready for Opening Day.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 17, 2025
DJ LeMahieu determined to bounce back after losing “lots of sleep” over injury struggles
Since reporting to spring training, DJ LeMahieu has been candid about the emotional and physical toll the Yankees’ injury struggles have taken on him. The veteran infielder admitted that he’s “lost a lot of sleep” over the team’s ongoing injury woes, and he has felt the weight of his own setbacks in recent seasons. In an effort to reset, LeMahieu took two months off from swinging a bat to allow his body to rest and recoup. This break was crucial for him to return to spring training at his healthiest and to give his best possible performance. Determined to leave the frustration of past injuries behind, LeMahieu is focused on regaining his form and contributing to the Yankees’ success this season.
DJ LeMahieu took two months off from hitting this past offseason to allow his body to reset, the longest break he can remember. "I'm doing everything I can to be ready for eight months."
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 18, 2025
Austin Wells not full-speed yet
After a long and taxing 2024 season, Austin Wells is taking a cautious approach to his return to baseball this spring. The Yankees’ young catcher has been slow to start swinging a bat in spring training, opting to take his time before ramping up his workload.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Wells’ need for patience, stating, “We want to make sure he’s in a good spot physically and ready to go,” emphasizing the importance of not rushing his recovery. Wells, who dealt with a series of injuries last season, is focused on ensuring his body is fully prepared before jumping into the full intensity of the new year. Boone reiterated the team’s priority is to have Wells ready for the long haul, noting, “We’re not in any rush with him.”
While Wells’ progress has been slower than expected, this careful approach is aimed at avoiding any setbacks and setting him up for a healthy, productive 2025 season.
Cody Bellinger discusses joining Yankees, commitment to versatility and team success
On Tuesday, Cody Bellinger, the newly acquired outfielder and former National League MVP, spoke to the press about his excitement to join the New York Yankees. He expressed enthusiasm for the team’s collective drive for excellence, saying, “The want and the hunger is there to be great.”
Bellinger, who is versatile in the field, having played left field, center field, and first base, has made it clear that he is willing to contribute wherever the team needs him. “I’m open to playing any position… left field, center field, right field, or first base,” he said.
Manager Aaron Boone also shared his optimism about Bellinger’s potential impact, noting, “I’m bullish on Cody Bellinger. I think he brings a lot to the table.” Boone indicated that Bellinger will likely start in center field, with Jasson Dominguez moving to left field. “Jasson Dominguez would likely shift from center field to left, leaving Cody Bellinger to play center,” Boone explained.
Bellinger is the son of Clay Bellinger, former Yankees utility player, who played during the 1999-2000 seasons.
Judge discusses Juan Soto’s crosstown venture
The Yankees Captain Aaron Judge addressed the departure of former teammate Juan Soto, who left the Yankees for the Mets this offseason. Soto had previously stated that he felt the Mets were better positioned to win, a sentiment Judge disagreed with. “That’s his opinion,” Judge commented, “He can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him.”
While their time as teammates was brief, Judge and Soto made a lasting impact in 2024. Judge hit 58 home runs, while Soto added 41, becoming the third pair of Yankees teammates to each hit 40 or more homers in a season. Judge also took home the American League MVP award, while Soto’s pivotal home run helped the Yankees secure a World Series appearance.
Now, as rivals, Judge looks forward to the competition. “It’s going to be great having him in the town,” he said, acknowledging that the Mets’ new acquisition will make for an exciting, ongoing rivalry. The first Subway Series between the two teams is set for May 16-18 at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees strategically place top prospect’s locker between two former Rookies of the Year
Yankees top prospect Jasson Domínguez walked into the Yankees’ spring-training clubhouse this offseason to find his locker positioned between two MVP winners: Aaron Judge on his left and Cody Bellinger on his right. This prime real estate in the back corner shows just how highly the Yankees view the 22-year-old’s future. Both Judge and Bellinger, former Rookie of the Year awardees, bring invaluable experience to the table, and Domínguez is eager to learn from them. The Yankees Captain reportedly joked with him, saying, “You have two Rookie of the Years next to you. This is your year to shine!”
Domínguez is expected to be the Yankees’ starting left fielder come Opening Day. The Yankees are hopeful he can be a key part of their lineup, with manager Aaron Boone saying they expect him to be a significant contributor. In his first full-team workout, Domínguez impressed by hitting a home run from the right side of the plate, his weaker side. This performance has raised hopes for his future development as a switch-hitter and an all-around impact player.
Though it’s too early to predict whether Domínguez will follow in Judge’s footsteps as the face of the franchise, the Yankees are certainly betting on his potential with a locker placement that suggests he could be there for the long haul.
Remaining Spring Training Dates
February 21: Yankees first exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field
March 15: Yankees prospects play the Baltimore Orioles prospects in Sarasota, Florida
March 23: Yankees final exhibition game against the Miami Marlins
