By Sunday 
Bold Moves or Missteps? Yankees’ Surprising Roster Decisions
The New York Yankees are heading into the 2025 season with significant challenges. Losing Juan Soto in free agency was a major blow, and the absence of ace Gerrit Cole due to Tommy John surgery only compounds their concerns. Giancarlo Stanton’s ongoing elbow issues further complicate matters.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees made aggressive offseason moves, securing key players like Max Fried and Cody Bellinger. While these additions bolster the roster, depth will be crucial in navigating the long grind of the season. However, two unexpected decisions for Opening Day have left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Will these choices impact the Yankees’ championship aspirations? Let’s break down the most surprising moves.
A Puzzling Bullpen Decision
One of the biggest surprises was the decision to leave reliever Yerry De Los Santos off the Opening Day roster. The 27-year-old put together an impressive spring training, posting a 1.93 ERA over eight appearances and striking out nine batters in 9.1 innings. Yet, instead of earning a spot, De Los Santos was sent to Triple-A, with Yoendrys Gomez getting the nod instead.
The Yankees’ bullpen has long been a strength, and while the front office likely has a strategy in mind, leaving out De Los Santos raises questions. His prior MLB experience—48 career games with a 4.14 ERA—suggests he could have been a valuable asset. Though he hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023, his 3.33 ERA across 22 games that season showed promise.
If De Los Santos continues to shine in Triple-A, it’s only a matter of time before he forces the Yankees to reconsider.
Uncertainty at Third Base
While the bullpen decision was unexpected, the Yankees’ handling of third base might be even more concerning. Rather than securing a reliable everyday third baseman, the team appears content to platoon Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza at the hot corner.
This development was hinted at in March when SNY’s Andy Martino reported that New York was leaning toward a Cabrera-Peraza rotation at third. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined due to injury, the Yankees had ample time to explore other options. Yet, despite being linked to trade targets like Nolan Arenado, they never pulled the trigger.
For a franchise with championship ambitions, this approach feels risky. Many top contenders boast stability at third base, yet the Yankees are heading into the season with uncertainty at a crucial infield position. Could a midseason trade be on the horizon? If Cabrera or Peraza fail to lock down the role, the Yankees may have no choice.
A Position to Watch
Another factor in this equation is Jazz Chisholm Jr., who played third last season but has since been shifted to second base alongside Anthony Volpe. The Yankees are hopeful this pairing will create a dynamic double-play duo. However, if struggles arise, Chisholm could be moved back to third, forcing the team to shuffle its infield once again.
With question marks surrounding the hot corner, third base will be a position to closely monitor in New York this season.
Will These Decisions Pay Off?
The Yankees are taking calculated risks with their roster choices, but only time will tell if these decisions will help or hurt their championship pursuit. De Los Santos has the potential to be a bullpen weapon, while the third base situation could go in multiple directions.
If things don’t pan out, the Yankees will have to adapt quickly. In a competitive American League, every decision matters.