Sabathia Backs Yankees' Core as Judge Faces Clutch Pressure

CC Sabathia, New York Yankees legend and current Netflix commentator, has endorsed the team’s decision to largely retain last season’s roster. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt expected back from injury, Sabathia believes their pitching depth is the key to returning to the World Series.

"If the lineup does what it did last year, and the pitching stays healthy, they’re in a good spot," Sabathia said.

Sabathia, who grew up attending Giants games in Candlestick Park, will call the Yankees’ season opener at Oracle Park - a full-circle moment for the left-hander.

All eyes remain on Aaron Judge. Despite a breakout postseason last year - .500 batting average, 1.273 OPS - his 0-for-4 showing in the World Baseball Classic has reignited clutch doubts. Sabathia draws parallels to Alex Rodriguez, noting that only a dominant October will silence critics.

"Until he goes out and has the Aaron Judge-type month in October, people are going to say he’s not clutch," Sabathia said.

The Yankees, tied for most wins in the American League last season, were eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in a tiebreaker. Their path to October hinges on health, pitching, and Judge delivering under pressure.