Yankees Kick Off 2025 Season with Historic Opening Day Win

NEW YORK — The 2025 MLB season commenced with a thrilling Opening Day as the New York Yankees faced the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on March 27. Catcher Austin Wells made history, becoming the first catcher in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run, setting the tone for the Yankees’ 4-2 victory.

Wells, 24, was confirmed as the leadoff hitter by manager Aaron Boone earlier in the week after an impressive spring training. The rookie displayed his potential by batting .348 with six home runs and 12 RBIs over 46 at-bats during the spring, demonstrating his capability to create early scoring opportunities.

“It’s a good opportunity for a lot of young guys to show us what they’ve got,” Yankees captain Aaron Judge said after the win. Judge, the reigning American League MVP, expressed optimism about the team’s chances despite significant changes to the roster just weeks before the season began.

The Yankees’ lineup showcased promising players, including Ben Rice, also a young catcher, who added five home runs and gained 10 pounds of muscle over the winter. Notably, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP, aims to rebound after signing a one-year deal in December, having hit .308 with three home runs and 11 RBIs during spring training.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is optimistic about the Yankees’ middle infield, predicting they will lead Major League Baseball in double plays. He batted .208 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in spring training, as he prepares for his first full season with the Yankees. Shortstop Anthony Volpe, a 2023 American League Gold Glove winner, struggles at the plate, hitting .208 with four home runs and nine RBIs in spring training. Nonetheless, the team is hopeful that he can continue to build on his stellar postseason performance from last year.

With DJ LeMahieu sidelined, Oswaldo Cabrera has stepped in as the starting third baseman after showing promise in spring training, batting .278 with two home runs and three RBIs. The Yankees’ outfield features a combination of veteran power and emerging talent, with Cody Bellinger standing out, batting .423 with four home runs and eight RBIs during spring training. Judge, whose performance in spring was sluggish at best, is looking to regain his rhythm.

On the pitching front, Carlos Rodón took the mound on Opening Day in place of the injured Gerrit Cole. Rodón’s performance is crucial for the Yankees, especially with other starting pitchers like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt on the injured list. The bullpen is bolstered by two-time National League Reliever of the Year Devin Williams, who has stepped into the closer role following his acquisition from the Brewers. Despite some shaky outings from other relievers during spring, the team remains hopeful for secure late-game performances.

As the Yankees embark on their quest for the American League East title, Judge described the impending competition as a “gauntlet,” but remained confident in the team’s potential. “It’s going to be tough, but I like our squad,” he said. “We’ve got some good young players that are ready to go.”

With Austin Wells setting a historic precedent and the camaraderie bolstered by an infusion of young talent, the Yankees have signaled their intent to carve out a new identity this season. As they take on the Brewers and look to build on their Opening Day success, fans are eager to see how this chapter unfolds for the storied franchise.