The wait is finally over for the New York Yankees, who return to action this Thursday, March 27, looking to put last year’s World Series heartbreak behind them. After falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 Fall Classic, the Bronx Bombers will take the field at Yankee Stadium to open the 2025 MLB season against the Milwaukee Brewers. New York’s mission this season is clear: get back to the World Series – and this time, win it.
That challenge will fall to stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells, along with key offseason acquisitions Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. The Yankees will send veteran left-hander Carlos Rodón to the mound as they kick off the season at home. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 27.
The Yankees are hoping to harness the energy of their home crowd as they face the Brewers, who were the top team in the NL Central last year before bowing out of the postseason at the hands of the New York Mets. With talent like Christian Yelich and rising star Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee will arrive in the Bronx looking to spoil the party.
Rodón, who is in his 11th big league season, enjoyed a bounce-back campaign in 2024, going 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts. He is expected to pitch like a co-ace behind Max Fried, who will start Game 2 on Saturday. Rodón’s health and performance are critical to the Yankees’ success this season, especially with injuries to key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.
“I felt like I settled in last year,” Rodón said. “Made every start. Performance-wise, I wish I could have been a little better, especially in the postseason. But I feel comfortable where I’m at and I’m just going to go out there and make my starts.”
In an exciting twist, Rodón may unveil a new sinker pitch this season. He threw four sinkers in his spring finale against the Tigers, a move that could help him become less predictable on the mound. “Just another wrinkle to his arsenal — not being as predictable with just the four-seam and slider,” pitching coach Matt Blake said.
As for the Yankees’ lineup, the new configuration starts with Austin Wells, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger, replacing the historic Soto-Judge tandem that combined for 99 homers, 262 walks, and 253 RBIs last season. Wells and Bellinger looked impressive during spring training, with Wells boasting a .372 average and 1.263 OPS, and Bellinger hitting .400 with a 1.124 OPS.
“I think Thursday is going to be electric,” Bellinger said. “For myself, every Opening Day, I always get those jitters and goosebumps and nerves. It’s probably going to be a whole other level in The Bronx. So, excited to be part of it.”
The Yankees will hold a moment of silence pregame Thursday for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of Brett Gardner who passed away last week on a family vacation. Andy Pettitte will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Injuries have already decimated the Yankees' rotation, with Cole and Schmidt sidelined. To fill the gaps, the team has brought in veteran right-handers Marcus Stroman and Carlos Carrasco, alongside 25-year-old Will Warren. Carrasco pitched to a 1.69 ERA in five spring training games, while Warren struggled last season with a 10.32 ERA.
The Yankees are entering this season with a renewed sense of purpose. After a frustrating spring training, they look to build on their strengths and overcome the absence of key players like Giancarlo Stanton, who is out indefinitely due to elbow injuries. The projected batting order also includes Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez, Ben Rice, and Oswaldo Cabrera, rounding out a lineup that has the potential to score 750-plus runs.
The Opening Day weather forecast predicts sunny skies, but temperatures will only reach a high of 52 degrees, prompting fans to bundle up as they head to the stadium. For those driving to Yankee Stadium, officials recommend arriving early as parking can fill up quickly.
As the Yankees prepare to take on the Brewers, fans are filled with hope and excitement for the season ahead. With new faces and a strong desire to reclaim their spot at the top of Major League Baseball, the Bronx Bombers are ready to make a statement on Opening Day.
Whether you’re a die-hard Yankees fan or a casual observer, this season promises plenty of excitement, starting with this Opening Day clash in the Bronx. Get your game on!
