Red Sox vs. Yankees AL Wild Card Showdown: All-Star Lefties Crochet and Fried Face Off in Classic Rivalry Opener

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees: 2025 Wild Card Series Showdown Preview

The postseason returns to the Bronx with classic rivals facing off as the Boston Red Sox visit the New York Yankees for the opener of the American League Wild Card Series. Both teams are coming off memorable seasons and have plenty of star power ready for October drama.

Star Pitchers Face Off in Game 1

Boston sends All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet to the mound for his first career postseason start since joining the Red Sox. The team locked in their playoff spot last Friday and have momentum after clinching the series. For the Yankees, veteran ace Max Fried will get the nod. Acquired from Atlanta, Fried had a season of highs and lows but enters the postseason on a strong note. Expect a fierce lefty-versus-lefty battle between Crochet and Fried to set the tone for the series.

Crochet brings a 3-0 record and 3.29 ERA in four starts against New York this season, while Fried went 1-1 with a 1.96 ERA in three matchups with Boston. Both managers, Alex Cora and Aaron Boone, have set up their lineups to optimize the lefty matchups, with Austin Wells catching Fried and Paul Goldschmidt likely starting at first base for the Yankees.

Team Storylines and Recent History

The Red Sox are back in the postseason for the first time since 2021, and their road to get here was marked by persistence—going 59-38 to finish out the season after a slow start. Meanwhile, the Yankees began hot, hit a midseason skid, but finished strong. These two clubs are as even as it gets in the playoffs, tied at 12-12 in postseason wins against each other, but Boston has won eight of the past nine playoff meetings between the teams.

This storied rivalry features unforgettable moments—Graig Nettles’ 1976 brawl, Bucky Dent’s 1978 homer, Aaron Boone’s dramatic walk-off in 2003, the 2004 comeback, and more. Boston took this year’s regular season series 9-4, dominating at Yankee Stadium with a 5-2 record.

Stars to Watch

Yankees captain Aaron Judge dominated Major League Baseball in batting average (.331), slugging percentage (.688), and on-base percentage (.457) this season, earning praise even from rival manager Alex Cora.

For Boston, third baseman Alex Bregman is making his 10th consecutive postseason appearance, reaching a milestone 100th career playoff game in this opener. Nathaniel Lowe, a key August addition, adds to the Red Sox lineup’s depth going into the series.

Managerial Experience and Numbers

Alex Cora’s postseason managerial record stands at 17-8, leading Boston to plenty of October success since taking over. Both managers have faced ups and downs throughout the year but bring experience and tactical savvy to this high-stakes series.

Weather

Today at Yankee Stadium, expect mostly clear skies with a comfortable temperature around 70°F, making for ideal baseball conditions. There's little to no chance of precipitation, and winds will be light at 5-10 mph, ensuring no significant impact on gameplay.

In summary

The Red Sox and Yankees open the 2025 AL Wild Card Series with marquee left-handers and a renewed chapter in baseball's most famous rivalry. With star players, managerial chess matches, and perfect autumn weather, fans can expect a memorable and hard-fought start to the postseason. This matchup serves as a showcase for October drama, rich history, and championship aspirations in the heart of New York.

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