The New York Yankees are rewriting the script in 2025, sitting atop the AL East with a 25-18 record as of May 16, 2025, as shown in the standings card. They hold a four-game lead over the second-place Red Sox (22-23), the largest margin between first and second in any division. This surge comes despite a brutal injury list that would’ve sunk most teams—Gerrit Cole is out for the year, Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t had a single at-bat, Luis Gil isn’t expected back until the All-Star break, Carlos Carrasco has made six shaky starts, and Devin Williams is struggling with an 8.36 ERA. Yet, the Bronx Bombers are thriving, and it’s a testament to their resilience and star power.
Barstool Sports’ Eric Hubbs nailed it on X: “25-18 is a dream start when you factor in everything above. Just control what you can control.” The Yankees were expected to flounder with such a depleted roster, but they’ve flipped expectations on their head. Aaron Judge is leading the charge with an MVP-caliber season, anchoring a lineup missing its usual firepower. Behind him, Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham, and Ben Rice have stepped up—Grisham’s elite home run numbers and Rice’s dominance against right-handed pitching have been key.
The rotation, despite the injuries, has been a strength, with Max Fried and Carlos Rodón pitching like Cy Young contenders. The bullpen remains a concern, particularly with Williams’ struggles, but the Yankees’ depth has kept them afloat. They’re the only AL East team above .500, a remarkable feat in a division where the Rays (20-23), Blue Jays (21-22), and Orioles (15-27) are all lagging behind, as noted in the standings.
This isn’t just survival—it’s a statement. The Yankees are capitalizing on adversity, blending Judge’s brilliance with unexpected contributions from role players. With a four-game cushion and their stars stepping up, they’re in prime position to not just hold the AL East lead but make a deep run in 2025. For a team counted out early, the Bombers are proving they’ve still got plenty of fight left.
