Yankees Pitching Struggles Deepen Playoff Challenges

The New York Yankees are struggling in the 2025 season primarily due to significant issues in their starting rotation, which has posted one of the worst ERAs in MLB since late June, forcing manager Aaron Boone to rely heavily on an overworked bullpen. Key starters Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, initially expected to lead the rotation, have faltered, compounding the team's pitching woes and causing a ripple effect that exhausts the relief pitchers. Defensive lapses, particularly by players like Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr., have worsened the situation by contributing to unearned runs and undermining pitching performances despite the Yankees’ strong overall defensive metrics. Offensively and developmentally, the team faces challenges with stalled progress from prospects and inconsistent performances, adding to the instability. Despite having the best run differential in the American League and high WAR totals, the Yankees' on-field execution issues have persisted, leading to questions about the roles of Boone's management and Brian Cashman’s roster decisions. The combination of poor starting pitching, defensive mistakes, and strategic uncertainties has left the Yankees at risk of missing the postseason despite their talent and resources.