The New York Yankees arrive in Pittsburgh for the Pirates’ home opener with a 4–2 record and the sort of quiet confidence that only comes when you know you’ve already started clicking. After opening the 2025 season with dominant performances on both sides of the ball, the Yankees now get the rare chance to spoil an opponent’s party in front of a packed house. This will be the first time the Yankees have ever opened a season on the road at PNC Park—and they plan to make it as uncomfortable for the Pirates as possible. It’s a high-profile interleague clash that leans heavily in favor of the Bombers, both on paper and in terms of momentum. The Pirates are reeling from a difficult road stretch, while the Yankees come in with their bats hot, their ace on the mound, and their lineup looking as fearsome as advertised. Starting for New York is left-hander Max Fried, who was acquired in the offseason to help anchor a rotation that’s aiming to be elite from top to bottom. Fried posted a 3.86 ERA in his debut and has the kind of poise, pitch mix, and playoff-level experience that gives this rotation real bite. Against a Pirates offense that’s averaged under three runs per game, Fried will look to pound the strike zone early, induce soft contact, and work efficiently through the middle innings to preserve the Yankees’ bullpen.

Given how much trouble Pittsburgh has had creating sustained rallies, the key for Fried will be simply avoiding mistakes to Oneil Cruz, the Pirates’ lone offensive threat through the first week of the season. If Fried executes, there’s every reason to believe he could dominate in front of what will be a very loud, very hostile Opening Day crowd. Offensively, the Yankees are scorching. Aaron Judge has come out of the gate swinging like it’s August, already launching five home runs and batting .417. The lineup around him, which includes Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres, and a resurgent Anthony Volpe, offers little to no breathing room for opposing pitchers. The addition of “torpedo bats”—a controversial new piece of equipment reportedly boosting launch angles and exit velocity—has only added intrigue and power to a team that didn’t really need the help. If the ball continues flying off Yankee bats like it has through the first week, the Pirates may find themselves in an early hole. That said, the Yankees don’t rely solely on power. This lineup works counts, draws walks, and pounces on mistakes with veteran precision. And when the top third of the order gets on base, chaos tends to follow. Defensively and in the bullpen, the Yankees are getting healthier and sharper by the day. Closer Devin Williams has rejoined the team after a brief paternity leave, bolstering a relief unit that’s already been lights out in late innings. The defense behind Fried is sound, with elite outfield range and reliable infield fundamentals. This is a well-rounded, well-coached club that’s built to handle both tight games and blowouts. If the Yankees strike early and keep the pressure on, it’s entirely possible they walk out of PNC Park with another win—and leave the Pirates and their fans wondering what hit them. New year, new bats, same Bronx swagger.