Experts Share Three Bold New York Yankees Predictions, Do You Agree?

While the present looks bright for the New York Yankees, the future is a bit less clear.

As of Friday afternoon, the Yankees sit two wins away from a World Series berth, their first since 2009. New York committed to going "all-in" for the 2024 season by making multiple high-stakes moves, highlighted by the acquisition of Juan Soto.

Get our free mobile app

So far, that "all-in" approach has worked to perfection, but once the 2024 season comes to an end, the team will have a number of difficult decisions to make. The fate of players such as Soto, Alex Verdugo, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres will all be decided before Opening Day 2025.

READ MORE: New York Yankees’ Radio Voice Shares Favorite Call of 2024 Season [LISTEN]

With that in-mind, the writing staff at Bleacher Report included a few notable Yankees' players on their list of Predictions for 19 MLB Players with a 2025 Contract Option.

Do you agree with their predictions?

SP Gerrit Cole

Situation: Cole can opt out of $144 million between 2025-2028 and become a free agent if Yankees don't add 10th year onto contract at $36 million.

B/R Prediction: Cole opts out of $144 million between 2025-2028, Yankees agree to add 10th year at $36 million.

Reaction: While Cole has looked slightly less sharp this year compared to his Cy Young season, he has still shown he can be a dominant front-line starter. Cole should be able to maintain his elite form for at least another season or two, as the Yankees look to extend their championship window past this season.

With all of that in-mind, the Yankees should indeed tack on the 10th year, and do what they can to make Cole a member of the franchise until he retires.

1B Anthony Rizzo

Situation: Yankees can exercise $17 million option for 2025.

B/R Prediction: Yankees decline $17 million option for 2025.

Reaction: Though I agree that the Yankees should, and will, decline this option, I am not shutting the door on a reunion between the two sides. Rizzo has shown that he can still be a reliable player in certain situations, though his days of being a starter on a contender may be behind him.

Would I sign Rizzo, at a reduced price, to be a bat off the bench and a rotational infielder/DH?

Absolutely.

SP/RP Luke Weaver

Situation: Yankees can exercise $2.5 million option for 2025.

B/R Prediction: Yankees exercise $2.5 million option for 2025.

Reaction: Yeah, no kidding.

This is a no-brainer for New York, and by far the easiest decision they'll make this offseason. The tougher question is this: do you pursue a more experienced closer, or trust Weaver in that role in 2025?

They trusted Clay Holmes in 2024 as the closer despite having limited experience, and that did not pan out. They should try to avoid making the same mistake, and slot Weaver in as a trustworthy setup man next season after exercising his option.