Ex-Yankees stars’ report card: How they are faring after leaving Bronx
Table of Contents
Follow UsThe 2024 New York Yankees advanced to the World Series before losing a heartbreaking championship series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That roster combined offensive power, veteran leadership, and competitive spirit — yet baseball’s business realities prevented keeping the core together.
Now in mid-2025, numerous key contributors from last season’s pennant-winning squad have relocated to different organizations. Some players are flourishing in new environments. Others face unexpected struggles. Each departure tells a story about modern baseball’s rapid roster evolution.
Here’s how several former Bronx stars are performing in their new destinations this season.
Juan Soto (OF) – New York Mets
2025 Stats: .232/.366/.436, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 2.0 bWAR
Juan Soto‘s Yankees stint was brief but memorable. He compiled a .288 average with 41 homers and 109 RBIs during 2024 while finishing third in AL MVP balloting. His free agency status made him baseball’s most coveted prize — and despite the Yankees’ aggressive pursuit, Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the crosstown Mets.
His 2025 batting average has declined, but Soto maintains impressive power production and exceptional plate discipline. He’s contributed to the Mets’ NL East leadership while facing scrutiny for a poor showing during his Yankee Stadium return and questions about his effort level.
Nestor Cortes (LHP) – Milwaukee Brewers
2025 Stats: 1-1, 9.00 ERA in 8.0 IP
Cortes departed following a disappointing 2024 conclusion, highlighted by surrendering a crucial Freddie Freeman home run in World Series Game 1. Milwaukee acquired him through offseason trade, but his tenure began disastrously — allowing consecutive home runs on his first three pitches against the Yankees on Opening Day.
He subsequently landed on the injured list with elbow inflammation and won’t return until after the All-Star break. The Yankees’ decision to trade Cortes appears justified, despite inconsistent performances from replacement Devin Williams.
Alex Verdugo (OF) – Atlanta Braves
2025 Stats: .252/.312/.317, 0 HR, 10 RBI
Verdugo never developed into the power contributor the Yankees envisioned, making his free agency departure predictable. He signed an affordable one-year contract with Atlanta and has provided adequate but unspectacular production.
His nine extra-base hits this season consist entirely of doubles. He remains a contact-oriented hitter lacking power potential, and with another free agency period approaching in 2026, his MLB future appears uncertain.
Jose Trevino (C) – Cincinnati Reds
2025 Stats: .294/.325/.487, 3 HR, 12 RBI
The former All-Star had become an offensive liability before the Yankees traded him to Cincinnati. The transaction brought Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson to New York — appearing increasingly advantageous for the Yankees.
Trevino has rebounded offensively in Cincinnati, but Cruz has posted a 2.66 ERA across 23.2 innings and could assume high-leverage relief responsibilities, particularly following Luke Weaver’s injury. The Yankees also benefit from Cruz’s team-friendly contract terms, making this one of Brian Cashman’s shrewder recent moves.
Clay Holmes (RHP) – New York Mets
2025 Stats: 6-3, 3.07 ERA, 67.1 IP
Holmes generated polarizing reactions during his Yankees tenure. The Mets invested heavily in his potential, offering a three-year, $38 million deal — while converting him to starting pitcher. The transition has largely succeeded. He’s demonstrated durability and recorded a 3.34 ERA over his past month.
His success creates mixed emotions for Yankees supporters. The bullpen no longer depends on his inconsistent outings. However, given New York’s limited rotation depth beyond Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, his current effectiveness might have benefited the Bronx.
Gleyber Torres (2B) – Detroit Tigers
2025 Stats: .270/.383/.404, 5 HR, 29 RBI
Torres has discovered renewed success in Detroit, providing steady offensive contributions and leading the Tigers in multiple contact categories. His expected batting average (.301) ranks in the 91st percentile, and while defensive concerns persist, he’s shown improvement since 2024.
At 28, Torres retains development potential, but the Yankees were prepared to move forward without him. His replacement — combining DJ LeMahieu with infield experimentation — hasn’t silenced doubters, but the front office considered Torres replaceable.
Tommy Kahnle (RHP) – Detroit Tigers
2025 Stats: 12.2 IP, 0.71 ERA, 0.553 WHIP, 5 Saves
Kahnle has dominated for Detroit, primarily through his devastating changeup. The pitch generates a remarkable .094 wOBA against with a 63.3% ground ball rate, establishing him among MLB’s most challenging late-inning opponents.
The 35-year-old isn’t merely succeeding — he’s transforming his approach. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has improved significantly, and his hard-hit rate ranks in the 99th percentile. Yankees fans recall his passion and competitive fire, but this season represents his peak performance.
Luis Severino (RHP) – Oakland Athletics
2025 Stats: 1-5, 4.54 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Severino became Oakland’s highest-paid player through a multi-year commitment, producing inconsistent results. His road performance has been exceptional, maintaining a 0.72 ERA through four starts. At home in Sutter Health Park (a minor-league facility), he’s struggled with a 6.75 ERA.
He’s openly criticized Oakland’s home venue conditions, and with the franchise’s uncertain future, Severino’s expensive contract could become problematic if performance volatility continues.
Aroldis Chapman (LHP) – Boston Red Sox
2025 Stats: 1.88 ERA, 9 Saves, 0.96 WHIP
Chapman continues throwing triple-digit fastballs — now for the Yankees’ primary rival. The 37-year-old has revitalized his career in Boston, compiling a 1.88 ERA with 32 strikeouts while touching 103.4 mph.
Chapman now holds the distinction of recording the fastest pitch for six different organizations. Within Boston’s struggling bullpen, he’s provided consistent excellence.
The 2025 Yankees have established a distinct identity — anchored by superstars like Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, and emerging talents such as Fernando Cruz. Yet the 2024 World Series roster’s legacy continues through players distributed across baseball.
Some have excelled in new environments. Others have disappointed. But the consequences of that roster — and the Yankees’ roster decisions — continue influencing both current performance and future planning in the Bronx.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
