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Yankees face skepticism after losing Soto, while MLB prepares for an exciting 2025 season with key player rankings.

The New York Yankees are under scrutiny as owner Hal Steinbrenner asserts the team is better now than in 2024, despite the significant loss of superstar Juan Soto to free agency. The Yankees have made notable additions to their roster, including Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt. However, analysts are questioning whether these acquisitions can truly compensate for Soto`s departure, with many suggesting that the team`s lineup appears substantially weaker. While the rotation has seen improvement with Fried`s addition, the Yankees still have pressing needs in the infield and bullpen as they head into the 2025 season.

In other MLB news, the MLB Network has released its Top 10 First Basemen Right Now list, featuring Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top after a solid 2024 season where he hit .282 with 22 home runs. Following Freeman is Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, who ranked second after hitting 30 home runs last season.

Excitement is building for the upcoming 2025 MLB season, which kicks off with a two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18-19. The regular season will commence on March 27 and run through September 28, culminating in the 95th All-Star Game scheduled for July 15 at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia. Noteworthy events include the New York Mets retiring David Wright`s No. 5 on July 19 and the Seattle Mariners retiring Ichiro Suzuki`s No. 51 on August 9.

The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for the season with an intriguing infield lineup that could be pivotal for their success. Projected starters include Yandy Díaz at first base, Brandon Lowe at second, Taylor Walls at shortstop, and top prospect Junior Caminero at third base. The Rays are optimistic about bounce-back seasons from Díaz and Lowe, while they anticipate a breakout year from Caminero.

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#Yankees,#JuanSoto,#MLB2025,#FreddieFreeman,#TampaBayRays