The stage is set for the Yankees to kick off their 2025 season in style as they host the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium. With a offseason full of blockbuster moves, injuries and anticipation, baseball fans are ready to get going. Here’s the breakdown of what to expect from this opening series.
Thursday: Carlos Rodón vs. Freddy Peralta (3:05 pm)
The Yankees will turn to Carlos Rodón to start the season opener, a role he’s familiar with after starting on Opening Day for the White Sox back in 2019. Rodón has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has struggled with over-amped performances, especially in big situations like last year’s playoffs. Hopefully he can tap into his experience and give a strong start against a Brewers team looking to make a statement.
On the other side Freddy Peralta will start for Milwaukee. This is his second consecutive Opening Day start, after last year’s nod against the Mets. Peralta hasn’t been dominant since his 2021 All-Star season but is a reliable arm in the Brewers’ rotation. This will be the first time the Yankees face Peralta so there’s some mystery to the matchup.
Saturday: Max Fried vs. Nestor Cortes (1:05 pm)
After an offday on Friday the Yankees will unveil their biggest offseason acquisition: Max Fried. The two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner signed a big deal with the Yankees this winter after an impressive run with the Braves. Fried has six shutout innings against the Brewers in Game 2 of the 2021 NLDS so expectations are high for his debut in pinstripes.
Facing him will be former Yankees fan favorite Nestor Cortes who was traded to the Brewers in the Devin Williams deal. Cortes was the Yankees’ Opening Day starter last year due to injuries and now finds himself second in line for his new team. This will test if Cortes still has the edge against his old teammates or if they’ve figured him out.
Sunday: Marcus Stroman vs. Aaron Civale (1:35 pm ET)
Going into spring training many expected Marcus Stroman to be traded or moved to the bullpen. But injuries and roster moves have kept him in the rotation as the third man up for the Yankees. Stroman’s ability to limit home runs will be key; after giving up 9 in 2023 he gave up 19 in 2024. If he can get back on track he’ll be in the rotation until reinforcements arrive.
For the Brewers Aaron Civale will look to build on a strong finish to 2024. Acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline Civale had a 119 ERA+ in 14 starts for Milwaukee. Yankees fans will remember him as the pitcher who got torched by the Yankees in Game 5 of the 2022 ALDS. Now in his 7th big league season Civale wants to prove he’s a legit starter.
Key Storylines Heading Into the Series
New Era for the Yankees
The Yankees enter 2025 with big changes, most notably losing Juan Soto to a division rival in free agency. They’ve added Devin Williams, Max Fried and others to fill the void. How these new guys perform will set the tone for the season right out of the gate.
Injuries Mount
Spring training brought its share of setbacks and several key players are sidelined to start the season. The Yankees will need to rely on depth early and see how their new roster holds up.
Cortes Returns to the Bronx
Few matchups are more interesting than Nestor Cortes facing his old team. Once a fan favorite in pinstripes, Cortes now wears Brewers blue. Will nostalgia play a role or will the Yankees exploit his familiarity?
Stroman’s Redemption
For Marcus Stroman this series is an opportunity to quiet the critics who question his spot in the rotation. If he can keep the ball in the park and navigate the Brewers lineup he’ll shut up the doubters.
A Big Weekend
This series between the Yankees and Brewers sets up to be a fun 2025 season. With big pitching matchups, interesting storylines and drama surrounding both teams, you won’t want to miss a minute. Whether it’s Carlos Rodón on Thursday, Max Fried on Saturday or Marcus Stroman on Sunday there’s a lot to like.
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