After a tough World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees are feeling the pressure as they kick off their 2025 campaign with a rocky start. With aspirations to reclaim the AL Pennant and capture their first World Series title since 2009, the Yankees find their pitching staff in a precarious position — and that’s an understatement.
As they faced off against the Kansas City Royals on April 14th, the Yankees’ pitching held an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 4.67, placing them among the six worst in Major League Baseball. Comparatively, the New York Mets are setting the pace with an impressive 2.30 ERA. While the Yankees boast the second-most potent offense in the league—trailing only the Chicago Cubs—it’s evident that to thrive in October, they’ll need more than just heavy hitters. There’s a stark reality: great pitching is the backbone of postseason success. You simply can’t out-slam every team to a World Series victory, especially against the quality of opposition they will inevitably face.
In recent games, the Yankees have shown glimpses of their potential, yet it’s troubling to see so many pitchers underperform. Among their key offseason acquisitions, Max Fried is shining with a sparkling 1.56 ERA. Unfortunately, he’s a rare bright spot in a rotation plagued by inconsistency. Only one other pitcher is managing an ERA below 3.68, and that’s relief pitcher Yander Gomes, who has only pitched in four games. Such performance is well below the high standards that have become synonymous with the Yankees’ brand.
Injury woes have complicated matters further for the pitching staff heading into the season. The loss of ace Gerrit Cole—who is now sidelined with a season-ending injury following Tommy John surgery—is a serious blow. The team is also waiting for Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt to return. While some may be back sooner than others, the effectiveness of this unit has been notably diminished, leading to questions about whether it’s time for a change at the coaching level.
There are whispers about the possibility of bringing in Roger Clemens to join the Yankees’ coaching staff, which is not as far-fetched as it might seem. Yankees General Manager Aaron Boone recently had Clemens as a guest instructor during spring training, noting his unparalleled engagement and focus. Boone described having Clemens on the field as exhilarating, emphasizing how Clemens’ intense connection to every pitch made him a valuable presence.
Could this guest stint pave the way for a more permanent role for Clemens in the Yankees’ dugout? His Hall of Fame career speaks for itself, and his wealth of experience could be invaluable for the younger pitchers struggling to find their footing. With pitching coach Matt Blake’s contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season, the Yankees may need to consider whether his coaching methods are still producing results, especially with such a talented roster at risk of going another season without a title.
Time is of the essence for the Yankees. With a player like Aaron Judge—who is poised to be one of the greatest hitters of all time—on the roster, the franchise cannot afford to squander these prime years. If they fail to clinch a World Series during this era, it will surely haunt them in the annals of baseball history. Moving quickly to secure Clemens’ future involvement could be a vital step in reclaiming the glory that has eluded the franchise for too long. The Yankees have the offense; now they just need the pitching to keep pace.
