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The New York Yankees begin their quest for the organization’s 28th World Series trophy on Tuesday night, welcoming the Boston Red Sox to the Bronx for a best two out of three Wild Card Series.
Given their history, the two sides are very familiar with one another. New York went 4-9 against Boston during the 2025 regular season, but the Yankees won three of the last four games of the season series with victories at Fenway Park. Who will walk away victorious?
The first step in advancing is deciding which players will help you achieve your goals. Yankees manager Aaron Boone and the AL East club announced the Wild Card roster on Tuesday afternoon.
Who’s In for the Yankees?
With regards to the Yankees‘ Wild Card roster, there were a few surprises. However, most of the regular names you saw during the season are ready to make an impact. The Yankees will carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players.
Starting pitcher Will Warren made the roster after finishing the season with a 9-8 record with a 4.44 ERA in 33 starts this season. The righty is a candidate to throw bulk innings.
Paul Blackburn inked a contract with the Yankees in August after his release from the New York Mets. The 2022 All-Star threw 15.1 innings, mostly in low-pressure situations. Like Warren, Blackburn may provide depth, but Boone will definitely turn to relievers like Luke Weaver or Devin Williams first.
Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., and closer David Bednar round out the bullpen arms.
Despite making his last appearance on August 12 against the Minnesota Twins, catcher J.C. Escarra is on the Yankees’ roster. New York will carry three backstops in Austin Wells, Ben Rice, and Escarra.
Rookie sensation Cam Schlittler could receive the nod in Game 3, should the series extend that far. Max Fried will start Game 1 on Tuesday, and Carlos Rodon takes the mound in Game 2.
In the outfield, Aaron Judge looks to turn his struggles in the postseason around. Joining the MVP candidate are Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez, and Giancarlo Stanton.
The Yankees‘ infielders include third baseman Ryan McMahon, shortstop Anthony Volpe, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Mid-season acquisitions Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario are utility players.
Who’s Out for the Yankees?
After throwing 79 pitches on the final day of the regular season on Sunday, Luis Gil was left off the Yankees‘ Wild Card roster. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year should return for the ALDS if New York advances.
Lefty Ryan Yarbrough suffered a right oblique strain in June, and he was utilized sparingly out of the bullpen upon his return on September 1. Because of Yarbrough’s absence on the roster, Hill is the Yankees‘ only lefty in the bullpen.
The Yankees acquired outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox near the end of July to help with matchups against left-handed pitchers, but he will not make an impact for his new team in the postseason, at least not in the Wild Card round.
MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reports that lefty Brent Headrick was present for the Yankees’ team workout on Monday, but not included on the roster.
Conor Liguori is a sports journalist covering the MLB for Heavy Sports. Conor has covered professional baseball leagues like the KBO, NPB, CPBL, and the LBPRC in Puerto Rico. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. More about Conor Liguori
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