Yankees manager Aaron Boone participates in a karaoke event for The Valerie Fund
Yankees manager Aaron Boone participates in a karaoke event for The Valerie Fund on June 18, 2025, in the Bronx.
In some respects, compiling the New York Yankees‘ best players of this quarter century was a tougher task than first imagined.
We can all recite the best to have played in pinstripes over the last 25 years, but parsing out certain players by position meant establishing a few personal ground rules.
To be considered, a player had to have been a Yankee for five seasons in this period, and we included the 2000 season in our judgment along with this current season, which – as Yogi would say – ain’t over ’til it’s over.
Here is The Record and NorthJersey.com’s Yankees All-Quarter Century Team:
STARTERSFirst base: Mark Teixeira
In eight seasons (2009-16) posted an .822 OPS, 206 HR, 622 RBI, with two Gold Glove awards and one world championship.
One of only five switch-hitters with 400-plus career home runs, Teixeira was also among the finest fielders ever at his position and instantly validated his eight-year, $180 million free agent contract with a 2009 title.
Second base: Robinson Cano
In nine seasons (2005-13), posted an .860 OPS, 204 HR, 822 RBI, with two Gold Glove awards, five All-Star appearances, five Silver Slugger awards, four Top Six MVP finishes and one world championship.
Was on a Hall-of-Fame track until two PED suspensions during his post-Yankee career, after signing a 10-year, $240 million free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners after the 2013 season.
Shortstop: Derek Jeter
In 15 seasons (2000-14), posted an .806 OPS, 197 HR, 970 RBI, 272 stolen bases and 2,658 hits, with 12 All-Star appearances, five Gold Glove awards, five Silver Slugger awards, six Top 10 MVP finishes, four pennants and two world championships. Hall of Fame class of 2020.
The Captain is all over the Yankees’ record book as the franchise leader in hits, games played, plate appearances, doubles and stolen bases, not to mention being the heart-and-soul leader on five World Series champs.
Third base: Alex Rodriguez
In 12 seasons (2004-13, 2015-16), posted a .900 OPS, 351 HR, 1,096 RBI, 152 stolen bases, with seven All-Star appearances, two MVP awards, five Top 15 MVP finishes and a world championship.
Well-chronicled postseason shortcomings ended with a tremendous 2009 effort, culminating with his only World Series ring. A pinstriped career also specked with controversy and a 2014 MLB suspension for steroid use.
Catcher: Jorge Posada
In 11 seasons (2000-11), posted an .862 OPS, 240 HR, 920 RBI, with five All-Star appearances, five Silver Slugger awards, two Top Six MVP finishes, four pennants and two world championships.
A fiery leader and essential offensive presence on several championship teams, honored by the Yankees with a retired number and a plaque in Monument Park.
Right field: Aaron Judge
In 10 seasons (2016-present), posted a 1.027 OPS, 350 HR, 797 RBI (stats through July 13) seven All-Star appearances, four Silver Slugger awards, two MVP awards, two Top Four MVP finishes, and one pennant.
On the way to joining the Yankee immortals, if he’s not there already, but still seeking that elusive World Series ring.
Center field: Brett Gardner
In 14 seasons (2008-21), posted a .740 OPS, 139 HR, 578 RBI, 274 stolen bases, with one All-Star appearances, one Gold Glove award and one world championship.
On his accomplishments through 2003, Bernie Williams certainly had the credentials to be listed here, but Gardner gets the nod for his skills, longevity, leadership and memorable tenacity as a career Yankee.
Left field: Hideki Matsui
In seven seasons (2003-09), posted an .852 OPS, 140 HR, 597 RBI, with two All-Star appearances, two pennants, one world championship and one World Series MVP award.
In every way, a magnificent Yankee who faced the scrutiny of being MLB’s first power-hitting star from Japan and responded at his best in spotlight moments with clutch performance and with grace.
Designated hitter: Giancarlo Stanton
In eight seasons (2018-present), posted an .806 OPS, 166 HR, 445 RBI, with one All-Star appearance and one pennant.
Arrived after his 2017 NL MVP season with the Miami Marlins and never regained that status due to multiple injury-plagued pinstriped seasons. A pure killer in October, with 18 homers and a .994 OPS in 41 postseason games.
STARTING ROTATIONCC Sabathia
In 11 seasons (2009-19), posted a 134-88 record, 3.81 ERA, 1,700 strikeouts, with three All-Star appearances, three Top Four Cy Young award finishes and one world championship. Hall of Fame class of 2025.
BULLPENMariano Rivera
In 14 seasons (2000-13), posted 523 saves, 2.05 ERA, 11 All-Star appearances, three Top Five Cy Young award finishes, two Top Nine MVP finishes, four pennants, two world championships.
Dellin Betances
In eight seasons (2011, 2013-19), posted a 2.36 ERA (177 ERA-plus), 621 strikeouts in 381.2 innings, with four All-Star appearances.
Those four All-Star Games were testament to the right-hander’s value, highlighting the importance of the setup role.
Honorable mentions
Starters: Mike Mussina, Gerrit Cole, Andy Pettitte
Relievers: David Robertson, Aroldis Chapman
Bench: Bernie Williams, Jason Giambi, Alfonso Soriano
Balance of bullpen