As the New York Yankees approach Spring Training 2025, a strategic chess match is unfolding in the Bronx. At its center lies a question that could define their offensive identity: Who will emerge as the team’s leadoff hitter? In an era where traditional baseball roles continue to evolve, the Yankees find themselves with an unprecedented wealth of options, each bringing distinct qualities to this crucial lineup position.

The Yankees’ leadoff dilemma presents a fascinating case study in modern baseball strategy, with five distinct candidates each representing different approaches to the role. From traditional speed merchants to power-hitting innovators, the team’s options reflect the changing nature of baseball’s leadoff philosophy.

Anthony Volpe: Yankees’ Young Turk leading at the top

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

The evolution of Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ 23-year-old shortstop, tells a compelling story of development and potential. His 2024 campaign showcased significant growth, particularly in the leadoff role where he posted a .292 batting average across 76 plate appearances. This marked improvement from his career .229 leadoff average suggests a player finding his footing at the major league level.

Volpe’s arsenal includes 28 stolen bases, including 17 in leadoff, in 2024, demonstrating the kind of baserunning aggression that traditionally defines the leadoff role. His career numbers in the leadoff spot (eight home runs, 37 RBIs, .288 OBP, and 60 runs scored in 106 games) show both the challenges and promise of a young player growing into a crucial role.

DJ LeMahieu: Proven yet questionable leadoff

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At 36, DJ LeMahieu represents the steady hand in this competition. With 556 games of leadoff experience yielding a .266 average and .335 on-base percentage, LeMahieu’s track record speaks to consistent production. He has recorded 134 hits, including 22 doubles and 17 home runs coming as leadoff shots to spark his team’s offense.

Additionally, he has contributed 51 RBIs and drawn 98 walks, showcasing his disciplined approach at the plate when leading off. His track record highlights his value as a reliable table-setter when healthy.

However, with recent challenges due to injuries and the falling graph, his place in the 2025 Yankees lineup is subject to much debate.

Cody Bellinger: A new yet strong option for Yankees

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The numbers paint a clear picture of Cody Bellinger‘s limited leadoff experience: a sparse 14 at-bats across five games (two starts) have yielded just one hit, translating to a .071 batting average and .188 on-base percentage. His leadoff line remains empty in the power categories, with no home runs or RBIs, though he has managed to draw two walks.

While Bellinger shares some leadoff-friendly traits with Anthony Volpe, including baserunning ability and power potential, his track record suggests he’s better suited elsewhere in the lineup. His most productive role has been in the cleanup spot, where he’s flourished with an impressive .879 OPS throughout his career.

Given Juan Soto’s departure, the Yankees are likely to maximize Bellinger’s power potential by keeping him in the heart of the order alongside Aaron Judge. Despite his speed-power combination making him an intriguing leadoff option on paper, his limited success and greater value as a run producer make him an unlikely candidate for the top spot in the lineup.

Jazz Chisholm: Dynamic disruptor leading off Yankees

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The late 2024 acquisition of Jazz Chisholm added another dynamic dimension to the Yankees’ lineup construction possibilities. Coming off a season with a .268/.343/.475 slash line, 18 home runs, and 30 stolen bases, Chisholm brings established leadoff credentials to the table.

His experience in the role is substantial: 192 games with a .244 average, 34 home runs, 304 OBP, 45 SB, and 101 RBIs. Eight leadoff home runs demonstrate his ability to impact games from the first pitch, while his elite sprint speed keeps defenses on constant alert. According to Fangraphs, he will have a breakout 2025 season.

Will the Yankees let Aaron Judge lead off?

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In what might be the most intriguing possibility, team captain Aaron Judge emerges as an unconventional but viable option. His 2024 numbers (.292 average, 39 home runs, .408 OBP) present a case for reimagining the leadoff role entirely. Though limited, his experience atop the order has been remarkable: a .352 average, .466 OBP with 13 home runs and 25 RBI in 36 games.

Strategic implications

The Yankees‘ decision transcends simple batting order preferences. Each candidate represents a different offensive philosophy:

Speed and Contact (Volpe, Chisholm): Traditional leadoff approach emphasizing baserunning and pressure creation
Consistency and OBP (LeMahieu): Focus on reliable table-setting and professional at-bats
Power-Speed Hybrid (Bellinger): Modern blend of multiple offensive tools
Elite Power-OBP (Judge): Revolutionary approach prioritizing immediate run production

The choice of leadoff hitter will cascade through the entire batting order. A power-first option like Judge would require different protection than a speed-oriented choice like Chisholm or Volpe. The defensive alignment could also shift based on positional flexibility needs.

Spring training battleground to decide

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As players report to Tampa, the competition for the leadoff spot will be among baseball’s most-watched position battles. The Yankees’ extensive analytics department will undoubtedly play a crucial role in evaluating how each option impacts overall lineup optimization.

2025 Championship implications

For a team with World Series aspirations, the leadoff decision could prove pivotal in the highly competitive American League East. The ability to consistently pressure opposing pitchers from the first batter while maximizing lineup protection for the team’s power hitters could be the difference in close divisional races.

The Yankees’ leadoff decision will significantly impact their pursuit of a 28th World Series championship. Each candidate brings unique strengths that could help maximize the potential of a lineup featuring both established stars and emerging talent.

The competition for the leadoff spot epitomizes modern baseball’s balance between traditional wisdom and contemporary analytics. Whether the Yankees opt for Volpe’s emerging talent, LeMahieu’s proven role, Bellinger’s renaissance, Chisholm’s electricity, or Judge’s unconventional power, their choice will set the tone for what promises to be a fascinating 2025 season.

As spring training approaches, this position battle stands as one of baseball’s most compelling storylines. The decision will reflect not just on the Yankees’ 2025 aspirations but also on the evolving nature of baseball strategy in the modern era.