TAMPA, Fla. — The two former National League MVPs that joined the Yankees will be in pinstripes for Friday’s first Grapefruit League game. Cody Bellinger is batting second and starting in right with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt right behind him in the three hole for a 1:05 p.m., game at Steinbrenner Field against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge suggested Boone's optimism makes him the right skipper to help the club bounce back from its World Series loss and All-Star outfielder Juan Soto's departure.

Judge enters the '25 season on the heels of one of the greatest seasons by a right-handed power hitter in MLB history. In 158 games played, Judge posted a .322/.458/.701 slash line with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, 133 walks, and 122 runs scored while helping to lead the Yankees to the club's first AL pennant since '09.