Yankees-Brewers series preview: Opening Day ignites dreams driven by emotions

Follow Us

America’s pastime returns to the Bronx as the New York Yankees launch the 2025 MLB campaign with a three-game homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers, beginning Thursday, March 27 at 3:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. With Carlos Rodon starting for New York and Freddy Peralta taking the ball for Milwaukee, both contenders aim to establish early momentum in a matchup steeped in history and postseason aspirations.

The series represents the fourth Opening Day clash between these former American League rivals, reviving a competition dating back to the 1970s. The Yankees hold a 220-193-1 advantage in the all-time series and enter on a two-game winning streak against Milwaukee, including their most recent encounter—a 15-5 victory on April 28, 2024.

Yankees vs. Brewers series schedule

Game 1: Thursday, March 27 – 3:05 p.m. ET

• Yankees SP: Carlos Rodon
• Brewers SP: Freddy Peralta
• TV: ESPN | Streaming: Fubo

Game 2: Saturday, March 29 – 1:05 p.m. ET

• Brewers SP: Nestor Cortes Jr. (vs. former team)
• TV: YES, FDSWI | Streaming: Fubo

Game 3: Sunday, March 30 – 1:35 p.m. ET

• Brewers SP: Aaron Civale
• TV: YES, FDSWI | Streaming: Fubo

Yankees outlook: New faces, same World Series ambitions

Coming off their 2024 World Series appearance, the Yankees look to build on last season’s success. The Bronx Bombers dominated MLB with 237 home runs and led the American League with 815 runs scored, but a wave of pitching setbacks—including injuries to Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt—means their offense must generate early-season traction.

Likely Yankees lineup

1. Austin Wells – C
2. Aaron Judge – RF
3. Cody Bellinger – CF
4. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr. – 2B
6. Anthony Volpe – SS
7. Jasson Domínguez – LF
8. Ben Rice – DH
9. Oswaldo Cabrera – 3B

Yankees lead players

• Aaron Judge (.322 AVG, 58 HR, 144 RBI in 2024) continues as the offensive cornerstone.
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (24 HR, 73 RBI) provides speed and versatility in the middle infield.
• Cody Bellinger brings veteran leadership and left-handed power after collecting 137 hits last season.
• Anthony Volpe seeks to improve upon his .243/.293/.364 slash line entering his sophomore campaign.

Brewers outlook: Defense, speed, and division crown at stake

After securing the NL Central title for the third time in four years, the Brewers earned their sixth postseason berth in seven seasons in 2024. Built around exceptional defense—capturing the Rawlings Team Gold Glove Award for the second straight year—and opportunistic hitting, Milwaukee thrives on run prevention and athletic play.

Likely Brewers lineup

1. Jackson Chourio – RF
2. William Contreras – C
3. Christian Yelich – LF
4. Rhys Hoskins – 1B
5. Joey Ortiz – SS
6. Eric Haase – DH
7. Sal Frelick – CF
8. Vinny Capra – 3B
9. Brice Turang – 2B

Brewers lead players

• William Contreras (.281 AVG, 92 RBI) serves as the lineup’s foundation.
• Jackson Chourio (.275 AVG, 21 HR) combines speed and power at the leadoff spot.
• Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz continue evolving into vital contributors.
• Nestor Cortes Jr., acquired from the Yankees during the offseason, makes his Brewers debut in Game 2.

Opening Day matchup breakdown

• The Rodón vs. Peralta pitching duel headlines Game 1. Rodón, entering his second full year in pinstripes, aims to rebound from an inconsistent 2024 campaign. Peralta remains Milwaukee’s top starter, featuring elite strikeout ability and postseason experience.
• Saturday’s narrative centers on Nestor Cortes Jr. making his first start against his former Yankees teammates. “It’s a special moment as a professional,” Cortes said. “You live for Opening Day, playoffs, All-Star Games and, ultimately, winning the World Series.”
• Game 3 showcases Aaron Civale, a recent addition to Milwaukee’s rotation acquired to strengthen their pitching depth.

Yankees vs. Brewers – Historical context

This marks the 414th all-time meeting between these franchises. New York holds a 220-193-1 (.533) overall edge, including a 217-191-1 advantage in regular-season competition. They have yet to face each other in postseason play.

Recent Yankees success:

• Won 2 of 3 games in April 2024 at American Family Field.
• Accumulated 30 runs during that three-game series, highlighted by a 15-5 victory on April 28.

All-time highlight:

• Yankees’ largest margin of victory over the Brewers: 19-2 on Sept. 25, 1996 at Yankee Stadium.

Opening Day history:

• 1976: Brewers prevailed 5-0 at County Stadium (Jim Slaton pitched a four-hit shutout; Hank Aaron’s final Opening Day).
• 1977: Yankees won 3-0 at home (Catfish Hunter/Sparky Lyle combined shutout).
• 1979: Brewers secured a 5-1 victory at Yankee Stadium (Mike Caldwell complete game win).

Players to watch

• Aaron Judge (Yankees): After narrowly missing another MVP award in 2024, attention focuses on both his performance and leadership amid early rotation injuries.
• Jackson Chourio (Brewers): The 20-year-old sensation ranks as MLB’s premier prospect entering 2025 and could emerge as Milwaukee’s breakthrough star.
• Carlos Rodón (Yankees): Healthy and reinvigorated, Rodón faces heightened expectations with Cole sidelined.
• Nestor Cortes Jr. (Brewers): Former Yankee creates the compelling storyline for the Opening Day series.

Odds and Betting Lines (Opening Day)

• Yankees: -153 money line favorite
• Brewers: +128 underdog
• Run Line: Yankees -1.5
• Over/Under: 8 total runs
• Odds to hit the Over: -111 | Under: -109

Nestor Cortes: The Bronx man to prove

Heading to Milwaukee as part of December’s trade package, the crafty left-hander won’t make his Brewers debut until the series’ second contest. Cortes still appreciates the significance of baseball’s annual curtain-raiser.

“Electric,” Cortes described the Opening Day atmosphere. “I’ve been part of a few of them, and I always told myself that whenever I become a big leaguer, I wouldn’t want to miss an Opening Day for anything – unless my child is born that day. It’s a special moment as a professional, as a baseball player. Those are the moments you live for: Opening Day, playoffs, All-Star Games and, ultimately, winning the World Series.”

Devin Williams: The revenge game

When the Yankees launch their 2025 campaign against Milwaukee, spotlight intensity falls squarely on recently acquired closer Devin Williams, who confronts his former employers with redemption on his mind. The Brewers’ decision to decline Williams’ $10.5 million option for 2025 ultimately facilitated his path to New York, with the perceived disrespect stemming largely from early-2024 injury concerns.

Armed with his signature “Airbender” changeup that’s baffled hitters league-wide, Williams now seeks validation against the organization that once entrusted him with ninth-inning responsibilities. For the right-hander, this Opening Day represents more than just his Yankees debut—it embodies unresolved personal vindication.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Follow Us