The Yankees lost three games before winning the World Series crown.

MLB’s most successful franchise stumbled on the final hurdle of its impressive postseason campaign, losing 4-1 to the Dodgers amid a torrent of homers from Freddie Freeman.

Despite this, Aaron Judge has likely added another AL MVP to his collection. This one – marked by 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, 1.159 OPS and 223 OPS – could very well be better than the last one.

Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton showed up for New York in the postseason, putting up shows at the plate throughout the ALDS, ALCS and World Series.

Things could look a lot different in 2025 for the Bronx Bombers, who are shrouded in uncertainty following the Los Angeles loss.

Here’s a look at the biggest storylines Brian Cashman’s team will have to navigate in 2025.

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Yankees upcoming free agents

Several Yankees players are likely to test the free agency market in 2025. The most notable name is Soto, who could very well sign the richest contract in league history when the dust settles this offseason .

New York could also lose Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo as well as bullpen players Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill. Anthony Rizzo will also likely be out in 2025; The six-time All-Star has a $17 million club option next season that the Yankees appear poised to decline.

Here is a complete list of those expected to see their contracts in New York expire.

Yankees roster, contracts

The Yankees enter the 2025 offseason with many question marks on their roster. Judge and Stanton will return, as will Austin Wells, Ben Rice and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has two years remaining on his current contract.

New York’s crop of starting pitchers will also bring in quite a check in 2025. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Marcus Stroman will combine to earn over $80 million in the upcoming season.

Infielders

Voltigeurs

Starting pitchers

Relief Pitchers

Yankees payroll

Baseball Prospectus projects the Yankees’ competitive balance payroll to be $237.1 million next season. That’s comparable to the Astros ($239.3 million) and Padres ($242.9 million). That figure still lags behind the Phillies and Dodgers, who are expected to pay $281.5 million and $270.6 million, respectively, to build their 2025 rosters.

Yankees offseason strategy

Uncertainty will loom large heading into the Yankees’ 2025 offseason. Will Aaron Boone still be in the dugout next season? Will Jasson Dominguez make that much-needed leap to becoming an everyday player in 2025? Can Stanton maintain his health and put together a season eerily similar to his 2024 playoff run?

All these investigations are captivating. Ultimately, though, New York’s offseason success hinges largely on one move: Will Brian Cashman and Co. be able to bring Soto back on a long-term deal.

The 26-year-old is the modern-day Ted Williams. He walks. He hits. It dazzles. Tying him to a long-term deal could go a long way in cementing the Yankees’ future aspirations. At the same time, agreeing to a Soto deal will prevent the strengthening of another team — perhaps the Dodgers — that could harbor World Series aspirations.

New York has often rewarded those who choose to play under its pinstripes with handsome contracts. Expect Soto to receive a similar offer in the coming weeks.