The New York Yankees will look different in 2025, and we’re not only talking about the absence of Juan Soto.
The New York Yankees will have a different look in 2025—and not just because of Juan Soto’s departure.
On Friday, the franchise announced a change to its long-standing facial hair policy. Yankees players are now allowed to have beards, provided they are “well-groomed.” Previously, only mustaches were permitted under a rule that had been in place since 1973.
Justin Turner, who has never played for the Yankees but is known for his signature long hair and thick beard, shared his thoughts on the policy update with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Turner, who felt the change was overdue, couldn’t resist taking a lighthearted jab at a former Red Sox teammate.
“I wonder what made them change their mind,” Turner joked. “Did someone look so bad without a beard that they thought, ‘We’ve got to change this?’ Was it Alex Verdugo? He looked terrible.”
Surprisingly, Verdugo embraced the Yankees’ previous facial hair rule after joining the team, saying the clean-shaven look made him feel “rejuvenated.” However, it didn’t translate to success on the field—he struggled with a career-low .233 batting average and nearly lost his starting role to a prospect. His tough season in New York ended with him making the final out in the Yankees’ 2024 World Series loss.
The rough year also hurt Verdugo’s value, as the 28-year-old remained unsigned as of Monday.
