As the 2025 MLB season kicks off, optimism is high, even for the New York Yankees, despite several key injuries. While the team is hopeful about its chances to capture another AL East title, not every player on manager Aaron Boone’s roster is guaranteed to remain a long-term fixture in the Bronx. In fact, several notable names could be playing their final season with the Yankees.
Some of these players are nearing the end of their contracts, while others have struggled with injuries that have made their future with the team uncertain. After all, staying healthy is one of the most important skills in today’s game. Yankees fans who are attached to the following players should savor their time this season, as they likely won’t be around when Opening Day 2026 rolls around.
1. DJ LeMahieu When DJ LeMahieu joined the Yankees, he quickly became one of their brightest stars. However, injuries have derailed his career, turning him from a batting champion into one of the least effective starters in the league. With LeMahieu starting the season on the Injured List, it only highlights his ongoing struggles. The one silver lining is that he only has one guaranteed year left on his contract, which could make him an attractive trade piece if the Yankees attach a lower-tier prospect. While the Yankees may give him a few at-bats this season if he gets healthy, his time in New York is likely nearing an end.
2. Marcus Stroman Marcus Stroman wouldn’t have been in the Yankees’ rotation this season if not for injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. The team originally planned to trade him but chose to keep him as a stopgap for the rotation. Stroman’s contract includes a vesting option for 2026, which could complicate matters if he pitches enough to trigger it. As his performance begins to fade, the Yankees are expected to part ways with him before the 2026 season starts. Stroman may play a role early in the season, but his future in New York appears short-lived.
3. Paul Goldschmidt At 38 years old, Paul Goldschmidt’s time with the Yankees may be limited. While he has the chance to be a solid contributor in 2025, his age makes it unlikely he’ll return for another season in the Bronx. The Yankees should be looking for a long-term solution at first base, preferably a left-handed power hitter who can take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch. Ben Rice could eventually take over if he finds more consistency in his second season. Regardless, Goldschmidt is more likely to retire than return for the 2026 season.
Paul Goldschmidt
4. Giancarlo Stanton Giancarlo Stanton’s ongoing injury woes have frustrated the Yankees’ front office, and missing the start of the 2025 season with elbow issues could be the tipping point. While Stanton’s contract is a major hurdle, his salary decreases significantly before the 2026 season, making the upcoming offseason an ideal time for the Yankees to trade him without needing to include too many prospects in the deal. Although Stanton still offers considerable upside, his inability to stay healthy consistently makes it time for the Yankees to move on from the once-feared slugger.
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