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Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. Ejected, Criticizes Umpire on X—Breaking MLB Rules

During Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. got tossed in the 7th inning. It was over a called third strike, and he got into it with home-plate umpire John Bacon.

Minutes later, he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) “Not even f—ing close!!!!!” which was quickly deleted, but not before it got attention and people asking about discipline. MLB has rules against using electronic devices during games, and players are not allowed to criticize umpires under the MLBPA’s social media policy.

The Incident: What Happened on the Field?

It all started when Rays reliever Mason Montgomery threw a 3-2 fastball that Chisholm thought was below the zone. Bacon called it a strike and ended the at-bat. Chisholm immediately went to Bacon and television cameras caught him mouthing, “That was not close.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone came out of the dugout to try to calm things down but it was too late. As Chisholm walked away still talking he was tossed from the game. Chisholm threw his helmet towards the dugout and then headed to the clubhouse.

Chisholm’s Reaction: A Player Speaks Out

After the 6-3 win Chisholm said he posted on X “right away” from the clubhouse. When asked if he was worried about the consequences he said bluntly: “I don’t care.” He added: “I did what I did. I can live with that.”

Despite his outburst Chisholm said he regretted how he handled the situation. “I feel like a lot of stuff hasn’t been going my way but that doesn’t give me an excuse to go out there and act like that,” he said. “I have emotions. I know I’ve acted like that in the past but that’s what I really worked on to get past now.”

Chisholm said he’s made a lot of progress on controlling his emotions. He pointed out he didn’t get ejected last season—a big change from previous years when he was getting tossed multiple times a year. “Everybody makes mistakes,” he said. “I get emotional when I think I’m right.”

Aaron Boone Weighs In: Managing Emotions in the Heat of the Moment

When asked if Chisholm needed to find a better way to manage his emotions Boone said: “I’d like to be the one going there.” He was referring to stepping in to argue with the umpire himself. “It happens every now and then. Hopefully in the future that’s me.”He’s not too hard on them. “I don’t like our guys going [there] but I get it’s tough to lay off a 3-2 pitch like that. I get there’s going to be emotion there.”

Chisholm’s Struggles at the Plate

Chisholm’s tantrum may have been a one-off, but his season reflects bigger issues. Through 19 games, 6 of his 12 hits have been home runs. But overall: .272 OBP and a concerning trend of swinging and missing. Chisholm is 4th to last in the league in in-zone contact rate (69.4%) behind only Rafael Devers, Gabriel Arias, and Matt Wallner.

Missing in-zone pitches likely contributed to his reaction on the 3-2 count. As Boone said, missing a borderline pitch can be frustrating for any hitter, but especially for one trying to get back in rhythm.

League Investigates: What’s Next for Chisholm?

An MLB spokesperson said the league is looking into it. If Chisholm violated the MLBPA’s social media policy or other conduct guidelines, he could be fined or suspended. Chisholm seems unfazed by the possibility of discipline, but the incident raises questions about how players navigate the line between expressing frustration and following the rules.

April 18, 2025
Yankees Reinforce Commitment to Diversity Initiatives Amid DEI Debate

After the 2024 election, many companies and institutions in the US are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Public opinion has shifted, and people are recognizing that these policies create division rather than inclusivity. But one organization isn’t following the trend: the New York Yankees.

According to a recent article in the New York Daily News, the Yankees are doubling down on their DEI efforts despite all the criticism. The team’s commitment to left wing politics seems unwavering, even as others are backing away from what many now see as divisive practices.

The Yankees’ Diversity Push Began in 2021

In 2021, during the height of the national conversation around racial justice and equality, the Yankees formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The mission? To “identify, engage and address issues related to equality, racial justice and inclusivity”.

At the time it was framed as a response to “recent senseless tragedies in our communities”. Some praised the move, others saw it as performative virtue signaling – a way for the franchise to check the boxes of being progressive without actually making any changes.

Fast forward to today, and the Yankees’ stance feels even more out of touch. But the Daily News – a left leaning publication – is celebrating the team’s decision to continue with DEI efforts.

Yankees’ Official Statement

Brian Smith, Yankees’ senior vice president of corporate and community relations, confirmed the team’s DEI agenda is still in play.

“We are working with our Diversity and Inclusion Committee and our neighbors and community partners,” Smith told the Daily News. “Our position on this hasn’t changed, and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is still at work.”

This is the Yankees refusing to budge on their ideology over practicality.

Why This Matters: Left-Wing Pressure vs. Reality

The Daily News praised the Yankees for sticking to their DEI goals and even accused team president Randy Levine of being a hypocrite. Levine, who has ties to former President Donald Trump, was labeled as someone with a “well-documented history of racism” by the outlet—an accusation based on partisan talking points, not fact.

Here’s the problem: DEI isn’t about diversity or inclusion anymore. It’s a test of ideological purity. Supporting someone like Trump means you’re anti-diversity in the eyes of the left-wing media. And the Yankees seem all too happy to play along, fearing backlash from the liberal New York press corps.

A Bigger Picture: MLB Steps Back, Yankees Dig In

Major League Baseball itself has taken a different approach. Earlier this year, MLB removed DEI from its website—a clear sign of the times. The Yankees are sticking to their guns on this.

It’s hard not to see this as caving to left-wing activists and media. Instead of charting their own course based on common sense and fairness, the Yankees are giving in to external pressure.

Don’t Give In to Ideological Bullies

If you’re an organization trying to navigate this divided world, here’s the lesson: Don’t give in to ideological bullies. Whether it’s cancel culture, DEI mandates, or fear of bad press, giving in only makes things worse.

The Yankees may get kudos from some for sticking to their DEI guns, but they’ll also lose fans who want unity over politics. As others adapt to the times, the Yankees’ intransigence could cost them goodwill—and maybe even tickets.

April 17, 2025
Aaron Judge Powers Yankees to Victory with Walk-Off Homer Against Royals

Through 18 games, Aaron Judge has once again shown why he’s the best hitter in baseball. He’s not just playing well; he’s rewriting the book on what’s possible on the plate. In a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on April 16, he had another for the ages, the game winner, a tiebreaking home run in front of 43,720 at Yankee Stadium.

The Numbers That Tell a Story

Aaron Judge’s stats would be a masterpiece if numbers could be art. Through 18 games, Judge leads MLB in batting average (.409), on-base percentage (.519), and slugging percentage (.803). He’s also 1st in the AL in RBIs (21). His latest heroics included a 7th inning solo homer that broke a 3-3 tie and won the game.

“He’s amazing,” said Cody Bellinger, whose diving catch in right field ended the game. “In any situation, he’s going to come out on top.”

It’s too early for pace calculators in mid-April, but if Judge keeps this up, he’s on pace for 63 home runs this season. That would be right up there with his 2022.

A Historic Start to the Season

Judge isn’t just picking up where he left off in 2024; he’s surpassing even his own numbers. After setting the franchise home run record in 2022 (62) and posting career highs in 2024 (58, 144 RBIs, .458 OBP), he’s going even bigger.

“I don’t look at any of that stuff,” Judge said after the game. “I just want to get on base—that’s the biggest thing.”

Manager Aaron Boone agreed. “Nothing’s going to surprise me so I’m not going to put a ceiling on anything he does.”

Game Recap: Yankees vs. Royals

Early Struggles Turn Into Late Wins

The Yankees fell behind early when the Royals scored in the first. But two guys who were struggling stepped up to turn the game around. Anthony Volpe who was 2 for 23, hit a 2 run double in the 3rd. Cody Bellinger who was 1 for 23, hit an RBI double down the 1st base line in the 4th.

The Royals tied the game in the 5th on a Drew Waters single and a Kyle Isbel triple. But the stage was set for Judge to take over.

Judge’s Game Winner

Tied 3-3 in the 7th, Judge came up against John Schreiber. On a sinker cutting across the plate, Judge unleashed his power and hit the ball into the bullpen in right center for his 7th homer of the season.

“It’s the most locked in I’ve felt at the plate,” Judge said. “I was just seeing the ball well.”

Pitching Shines as Yankees Secure Momentum

While Judge got all the headlines, the Yankees’ pitching staff was quietly great. Clarke Schmidt made his season debut and gave up 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings – not bad considering his longest rehab start was 4 innings.

Mark Leiter Jr., Fernando Cruz and Cody Bellinger closed it out. Leiter struck out 2 in 1 1/3 perfect innings and Cruz navigated the 9th before Bellinger ended the game with a diving catch.

“Maikel Garcia reached second and MJ Melendez hit a liner that hooked away from me,” Bellinger said. “But I got it. Those are the moments you live for.”

Yankees Head to Tampa with Momentum

The Yankees finished the homestand 4-2 and are rolling into Tampa. With Judge leading the way and Volpe and Bellinger chipping in, they’re gonna be trouble in the AL East.

“This is what he does every year,” Schmidt said of Judge. “Nothing can stop him.”

April 17, 2025
Carlos Rodon Squanders Lead as Yankees Lose to Giants

Carlos Rodón walked into Sunday’s game against the San Francisco Giants with something to prove. After complaining about his recent walks and their damage, he was determined to turn it around. But history had other plans. Another walk proved to be the culprit, and a three-run homer by Jung Hoo Lee was the dagger that gave the Yankees a 5-4 loss at Yankee Stadium.

A Promising Start Turns Sour

Rodón had been dealing through five innings, looking like the ace the Yankees thought they were getting when they signed him to a $162 million deal. But then, history repeated itself. After allowing three hits and eight strikeouts, Rodón imploded in the sixth inning, walking a batter and then giving up a three-run homer to Jung Hoo Lee. The bomb not only erased a 3-1 Yankees lead but also ended the game. The loss was the Yankees’ (8-7) third in a row and Rodón and the team are searching for answers.

“It’s just frustrating,” Rodón said after the game. “Falling behind guys. We had the momentum and I have to be better.”

The Sixth-Inning Collapse

Rodón started strong. Through five innings he had allowed only two base runners – one being Lee’s solo homer in the fourth – and seemed to have his stuff. But it all fell apart in the sixth.

No. 9 hitter Christian Koss led off with a slow roller to shortstop that Anthony Volpe couldn’t quite snag. Rodón bounced back by striking out Heliot Ramos but trouble struck again when he walked Willy Adames on five pitches. That set up Lee, who jumped on a hanging curveball and crushed it for a three-run homer.

“Just a terrible execution on a curveball that he punished,” Rodón said.

Manager Aaron Boone agreed. “Not much you can do on the infield single, but then the walk ahead of the homer,” Boone said. “It’s that small separator between him being in a dominant position right now to — the reality is we’ve got to look at it as he’s throwing the ball incredibly well.”

A Familiar Pattern

This wasn’t the first time Rodón’s walks came back to bite him. In his previous start against Detroit, he walked the 8 and 9 hitters and a three run homer followed. Against Arizona, a leadoff walk turned into a two run homer two batters later.

Through four starts this season, Rodón has walked 12 batters, 6 of whom have scored. For a team that can’t find consistency in the rotation, these are costly.

Late Rally Falls Short

The Yankees had chances to get back in the game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was 0 for 24 and snapped out of it with a solo homer in the 8th to make it 5-4. Unfortunately that was as close as they would get.

Earlier in the game the Yankees gave Rodón some early breathing room. Aaron Judge doubled and scored on Paul Goldschmidt’s RBI single in the 1st. Jasson Domínguez and J.C. Escarra followed with back to back doubles in the 2nd and Ben Rice added an RBI single to make it 3-0.

But despite knocking out Giants ace Logan Webb after 5 innings, the Yankees couldn’t cash in.

Insurance Run Proves Deciding Factor

The Giants added an insurance run in the 7th when Casey Schmitt doubled and scored on a chopper that got past Paul Goldschmidt. That run proved to be the difference in the game.

What’s Next for Rodón and the Yankees?

Rodón was visibly frustrated after the game. “Up 3-1 in the 6th, I wanted to shut the door. I just missed the curveball and I got punished. Not good enough.”

The rotation is already inconsistent, so Rodón’s struggles are a concern. But there were positives to take away – his swing and miss stuff was good and he was in the zone on the mound. Now he just needs to tighten up his command and not make those big mistakes.

As the Yankees regroup, they need more from their starters to keep up in the AL East.

April 14, 2025
How to Watch Yankees Game Today: Free MLB Live Stream Options
The New York Yankees are finally leaving the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium and heading to Pittsburgh for a three-game series against the Pirates. The action kicks off with the Pirates’ home opener on Friday, April 4, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you’re wondering how to catch all the action, here’s everything you need to know about watching or streaming the game.

Game Details

What: MLB Regular Season
Who: New York Yankees @ Pittsburgh Pirates
When: Friday, April 4, 2025
Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Time: 4:12 p.m. ET

How to Watch Yankees vs. Pirates?

TV Broadcast Options
- In-Market: Tune in to YES Network (Yankees fans) or SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pirates fans).
- Out-of-Market: Catch the game nationwide on MLB.TV .
Streaming Services

If you prefer streaming, here are your best options:
- fuboTV: Start with a free trial and enjoy live sports, including MLB games. For out-of-market fans, you can add MLB.TV to your subscription.
  - Promo: $20 off your first month
  - Monthly Price: 84.99(afteraninitial64.99/month for the first month)
  - Features: Unlimited DVR, access to over 212 channels, and exclusive fubo Sports Network programming.
- DirecTV Stream: A comprehensive option for live TV lovers, DirecTV Stream includes regional sports networks like YES and SportsNet Pittsburgh.
  - Monthly Price: Starts at $86.99
  - Features: Over 125+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, and thousands of on-demand titles.
What Are the Differences Between fuboTV and DirecTV Stream?

Both services offer great ways to watch live sports, but they cater to slightly different audiences:
- fuboTV: Perfect for die-hard sports fans who want access to U.S. and international soccer, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and more. It also offers exclusive fubo Sports Network content.
- DirecTV Stream: Ideal for viewers who want full access to local TV stations, regional sports networks, and a broader selection of entertainment channels.
Yankees vs. Pirates Series Schedule

Here’s when and where you can catch each game of this exciting series:
- Fri, Apr 4: NYY @ PIT, 4:12 p.m. ET – Pirates Home Opener (STREAM)
- Sat, Apr 5: NYY @ PIT, 4:05 p.m. ET on YES (STREAM)
- Sun, Apr 6: NYY @ PIT, 1:35 p.m. ET on YES (STREAM)
April 5, 2025
Yankees’ Trade Target Slated for All-MLB Second Team
The 2025 season is off to a roaring start for the New York Yankees and the optimism is palpable in the Bronx. After sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the opening series the Yankees are looking like the offseason moves are going to pay off big time. Despite the injuries in the spring the team’s new roster—led by Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams—is already making noise.

But the Williams trade might have been the most impactful of all. With him on board the Yankees now have one of the best closers in the game shutting down games late. And early projections have him making the All-MLB Second Team as a relief pitcher.

A Much-Needed Upgrade in the Bullpen

As 2025 looms, the Yankees know they need to get their bullpen in order—particularly the closer role. Last season, Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes shared those high-pressure duties, but neither delivered the kind of consistency you need to shut down games late. That was especially true for Holmes down the stretch. Fans were left on edge in those high-leverage situations because of it.

That’s where Devin Williams comes in. The Yankees acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Brewers that sent Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee. That move made one thing clear: the Yankees are serious about solidifying their bullpen with one of the best closers in the game.

Williams, known as the “Airbender” for his wicked changeup, missed a chunk of 2024 with stress fractures in his back. But when he was healthy, he was as dominant as ever. In just 22 appearances, he posted a 1.25 ERA, racked up 14 saves and—most impressively—struck out an eye-popping 43.2% of the batters he faced.

Why Devin Williams Was Worth the Investment?

The Yankees have historically done best when they have a closer who can shut the door on tight games-and Mariano Rivera and Aroldis Chapman at their best are the prime examples of that. Williams now gives them that kind of finisher. He can close out games and bring that much-needed stability to the late innings.

Manny Randhawa at MLB.com has already flagged Williams as a potential All-MLB Second Team player this season. That’s a pretty exclusive club, with only Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Mason Miller of the Athletics projected to make the first team among relievers.

Williams’ numbers speak for themselves-and they’re pretty impressive:
- Three years running, his ERA has been under 2.00.
- He consistently racks up strikeouts at a rate above 40%.
- And that unique delivery and pitch mix he brings to the mound just dominates hitters.
The Yankees are counting on Williams to make an impact this season. And they’re doing that despite him being in the final year of his contract.

How Williams Fits Into the Yankees’ Championship Hopes?

The Yankees’ offseason was all about shoring up those weaknesses. And they did just that—with a rotation reinforced by Max Fried, a lineup strengthened by Paul Goldschmidt and a whole lot of athleticism and power courtesy of Cody Bellinger. But the move that could really make or break their season was acquiring Williams.

Last season, the Yankees struggled when the game was on the line. That was largely because their late-inning pitching just wasn’t reliable. Williams fixes that. He locks things down when it matters most.

Manager Aaron Boone is going to rely on Williams heavily in 2025—especially in those big matchups against division rivals like the Blue Jays and Orioles. If the Yankees are going to take down that reigning champion Dodgers team, having a closer who can shut the door will be huge. That could be the difference-maker.

Early Signs Point to Success

The early signs are indeed promising. The Yankees’ offense is firing on all cylinders-and that bullpen, with Williams at the helm, looks better than ever. That’s giving fans a pretty clear idea of what this revamped roster is capable of—and it’s hard not to get caught up in that excitement.

For Williams, staying healthy and dominating is the key. If he can do that, he’ll not only make the All-MLB team but also be a big part of getting the Yankees where they want to go: the World Series. And that’s the ultimate goal, of course— a World Series title.
April 3, 2025
Yankees’ Batting After Juan Soto Deal: Great, but Not Perfect

The Yankees are off to a hot start in 2025 with a deeper, more athletic lineup that can score in bunches. But there’s one big hole – no reliable right-handed bat late in games. That showed up again in Tuesday’s 7-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks and is something the team needs to address if they want to win a World Series.

The Missing Righty Bat

In the 9th inning, down 7-4 against Arizona’s lefty closer A.J. Puk, the Yankees found themselves in a tough spot. Manager Aaron Boone had already pinch hit for switch hitter Jasson Dominguez for outfield defense, leaving three lefties – Austin Wells, Trent Grisham and Ben Rice – to face Puk. Switch hitter Oswaldo Cabrera, who struggles against lefties, was due up 4th.

With no righty on the bench to pinch hit, Boone turned to Pablo Reyes, who lined out to center on the first pitch to end the game.

This is a lingering problem with the otherwise great roster. The lineup is stacked with talent but there is no right handed bat off the bench or in a utility role.

How Did We Get Here?

Budget constraints have been the main culprit behind the Yankees’ void at third base- and elsewhere. Signing Paul Goldschmidt to first base left them with little room to maneuver. They went into spring training without a full-time third baseman or a high-end right-handed utility player to call their own.

That void hasn’t changed much since spring training. The Yankees scouted other camps for a righty bat, but just couldn’t find the right fit. They remain open to making a trade, but so far, nothing’s materialized. And that’s a problem.

Oswald Peraza was supposed to be part of the solution. But after hitting just .160 in spring training, he’s not exactly the answer to their late-game woes. He made the roster because he’s out of minor league options—and the Yankees didn’t want to risk losing him on waivers. That lack of production has put Boone in a tough spot.

Potential Solutions

While the Yankees work on that, here are some fixes:

Jasson Dominguez’s Growth

Dominguez can solve the problem himself by getting better defensively to the point where Boone feels comfortable leaving him in the game instead of using a defensive replacement. Or Dominguez can work on his swing from the right side and give the Yankees another righty bat.

Oswald Peraza’s Time is Running Out

Time is running out for Peraza to make this happen. If he can turn his tools into results he can still be the player the Yankees thought they drafted.

Trade Opportunity

Nothing has emerged yet but an attractive trade target could pop up during the season. The Yankees have shown they’re not afraid to make midseason moves to add to the roster.

The Bright Side: A Lineup That Works

Despite this issue the Yankees post-Soto offense has been awesome. Forget the 18 home runs in 4 games—let’s look at the bigger picture:

Austin Wells Breakout

Wells is already one of the top young catchers in the game. His 13 pitch at-bat in the 5th inning on Tuesday was a great example of his patience and plate discipline and sparked a 2 unearned run rally. Now we can debate whether teams would rather have Wells, Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman, the Mets’ Francisco Alvarez or Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno behind the plate.

Athleticism Everywhere

Cody Bellinger has speed and power, stole his first base of the season and showed he’s a threat on the bases. Ben Rice, Dominguez and Anthony Volpe are hitting the ball hard consistently and showing elite exit velocities.

Yankee Stadium Talent

Players like Dominguez, Bellinger, Rice, Goldschmidt and Wells all have swings that play well in Yankee Stadium. Add in Judge’s continued dominance and Stanton’s promising recovery from injury and you have a lineup that can thrive all season.

Will Warren’s Debut

Pitching prospect Will Warren went 5 strong innings in his last start, his fastball velocity dipped a bit in the 5th. Given the cold weather and the fact he’s still building up his endurance this isn’t a big deal. Warren is a bright spot in the Yankees rotation.

April 3, 2025
Randy Levine Credits Trump and FCC Chief for Fixing YES Network’s Comcast Issue

The New York Yankees and the YES Network dodged a potential blackout on Comcast’s Xfinity systems—thanks to a little (and a lot of) behind-the-scenes help from President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. That help came after weeks of tense, often contentious negotiations between the two sides. Those talks finally wrapped up late Monday night, saving hundreds of thousands of Yankees fans from missing out on their team’s games.

Randy Levine, the Yankees’ and YES Network’s president, issued a heartfelt statement Tuesday—thanking Trump, Carr and other politicians who played a part in resolving the carriage dispute. That’s a big deal for fans. Why? Because this was more than just a business dispute. It was a fight over access to the games those fans love.

How the YES Network Carriage Fight Was Resolved?

The conflict started when Comcast wanted to move the YES Network to a higher tier, which would have cost viewers about $20 more a month. The network argued that it would be exiling them “to Siberia” and making them inaccessible to many Yankees fans. So, YES filed a complaint with the FCC, saying Comcast was being discriminatory.

Enter FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly backed YES. On social media platform X, he said the FCC has the authority to get involved in disputes where there are claims of unfair treatment. His statement seemed to have an impact. The deal was done just before the midnight deadline on Monday.

In his follow up comments, he said, “Going dark wouldn’t have been good for anyone. Thanks to all for your good faith efforts!”

Randy Levine’s Gratitude Toward Trump, Carr, and Others

Levine’s statement was a testament to the hard work of many people—particularly President Trump and his administration and FCC Chairman Carr. He also thanked the state governors, attorneys general, and legislative leaders in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—where YES has a big following.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who helped us keep the YES Network on the air,” Levine said. “That was a team effort—and one that required a lot of people to stay at the table and keep negotiating.”

Governors Kathy Hochul of New York, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, and Ned Lamont of Connecticut were among those Levine praised. So were lawmakers and officials who pushed for fans’ rights. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin—along with local assembly members and senators who championed the cause—got special recognition from Levine.

Why This Resolution Mattered to Yankees Fans

Comcast may not be the biggest pay-TV operator in the U.S., but in the New York metropolitan area—and particularly in New Jersey—it has a huge following. That’s hundreds of thousands of subscribers who would have been left in the dark if a blackout had occurred—especially those Yankees fans who were still basking in the glory of their 2024 World Series appearance and off to a flying start this season.

Regional sports networks like YES know how crucial it is to keep their distribution deals on track. They face a tough road ahead, with cord-cutting and pay-TV subscription declines eating away at their base. YES, though, has a bit of a safety net. Its location in the number one media market and strong ratings mean it’s one of the more resilient RSNs around.

But the whole industry is under pressure. Losing carriage on a major platform like Comcast would have been a real body blow to YES’s financial health and fan enthusiasm.

The Unusual Role of Politics in Media Disputes

The FCC usually focuses on broadcast networks and stations not cable TV operators or programmers. But the agency’s involvement in this case shows how politics is seeping into media negotiations. Levine’s relationship with Trump likely helped grease the wheels given his history of being with the former president at events like last November’s UFC fight at Madison Square Garden.

Still, the sequence of events is interesting. Politicians don’t usually get involved in private business disputes, but the stakes were too high to ignore. With millions of dollars and the loyalty of diehard Yankees fans on the line the collaboration between government officials and corporate executives was the deciding factor.

April 2, 2025
Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton Stands by Torpedo Bat Amid Injury Recovery

Giancarlo Stanton isn’t giving up on that controversial torpedo bat—nor should he have to. The Yankees slugger made that clear Tuesday, as he plans to stick with the reshaped bat when he returns from elbow tendinitis that’s kept him sidelined at the start of the season.

There’s been some chatter that Stanton’s injury might be linked to the bat. He mentioned “some bat adjustments” last season, which sparked that speculation. But Stanton isn’t confirming any direct connection. In fact, he’s doubling down on his support for the equipment. That tells you a lot about how he feels about it—and how much he believes in himself.

Stanton’s Defense of the Torpedo Bat

When asked about those “bat adjustments,” Stanton just smiled and said he wasn’t going to give anyone the story they were looking for. That ambiguity is telling. It suggests he doesn’t think the bat was a major factor in his injury. And he’s not alone in that view.

Yankees officials have been pretty clear about the bat’s safety and health impact. They’ve even encouraged their top prospects to give it a try.

One of them, Spencer Jones, said Tuesday he plans to use the torpedo bat this season. He got it late in spring training. That tells you a lot about how the Yankees see this innovation.

The Yankees’ Offensive Explosion Fuels Interest in the Bat

The Yankees’ crazy offense in the opening series against the Brewers has only added to the questions about the torpedo bat. New York tied a major league record with 15 homers in their first three games and matched a franchise record with 13 in two games.

Aaron Boone said players aren’t forced to use the bat if they don’t feel comfortable. “To each their own,” he said. “We want to create an environment where we’re not missing any opportunity to help a player be their best or optimize a player. Ultimately, it’s up to them.”

Boone pointed out that the bat’s design aims to redistribute weight, and eliminate those “wasted spots” in the barrel where performance just isn’t happening. “You’re always looking for those marginal gains,” he said. “And that’s really what you’re doing—moving the needle a little bit where you can.”

“It’s the Artist, Not the Brush”

One Yankees official put it best: “It’s the artist, not the brush.” In other words, while the torpedo bat may help a little, it’s the player that matters most.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy said the same thing over the weekend. “They will have to stand the test of time,” he said.

But the Yankees have an advantage. As Boone said, just knowing the bat exists doesn’t mean other teams can replicate the results. “There’s a lot more to it,” he said. “A lot went into it for our individual guys. It’s a lot more than the bat.”

What’s Next for Stanton?

For now he’s out with tendinitis in both elbows. No timeline for his return but he says he’s making progress. When he gets back he’ll be back with the same torpedo in his hand.

In the meantime the Yankees are crushing it and proving their lineup is loaded even without Stanton. Whether the bat is a game changer we’ll see but one thing is for sure he’s not throwing it under the bus anytime soon.

April 2, 2025
Dylan Cease Heads to the Yankees in Blockbuster Trade with Padres
As MLB Opening Day 2025 approaches, Dylan Cease is in the middle of trade talks. Set to hit free agency after this season, Cease is one of the top pitchers in baseball and a prime target for teams looking to add to their rotations.

For the San Diego Padres, trading Cease before the deadline would be smart, especially since his projected 5 year, $108 million contract is out of their budget. One team that fits perfectly? The New York Yankees.

The Yankees’ Rotation Desperation

The Yankees had a terrible 2024 and need to get back on track. With Gerrit Cole out for all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil with a lat strain, their rotation is in big trouble. They added Max Fried but one arm won’t be enough to get through the long MLB season.

Enter Dylan Cease. The righty had a great 2024, 14-11, 3.47 ERA, 224 K’s, 65 walks. Cease can dominate and be consistent, perfect for the Yankees’ championship aspirations.

Adding Cease not only helps their rotation for 2025 but also gives the Yankees the chance to extend him beyond this season, lock up a piece of their rotation for years to come.

Why the Padres need to trade Cease?

Holding onto Cease is a risk for the Padres. With him a free agent and likely to get a big long term deal he’s a rental at the end of the season. Reports are A.J. Preller is already listening to offers, so it’s more than likely he’s already listening to offers. So a trade is more than possible, it’s likely.

By trading Cease now the Padres can cash in on his value and get high upside prospects to rebuild their farm system. In today’s MLB where young talent is king the Padres can set themselves up for future success by making a big move.

Proposed Trade: Yankees Get Dylan Cease

Here’s what the trade looks like:
- New York Yankees Get: Dylan Cease
- San Diego Padres Get: Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr.
What the Yankees Are Giving Up?
- Spencer Jones: A highly touted outfield prospect with a ton of power potential but inconsistent development. A gamble for the Padres but with high ceiling.
- George Lombard Jr.: A utility infielder with speed and defensive upside. Still raw but adds depth to the Padres farm.
This gives the Padres two young players who could be impact major leaguers down the line.

How This Helps Both Teams?

For the Yankees
- Get a legitimate ace in the rotation.
- Address their biggest weakness (pitching) and be a 2025 playoff team.
- Have leverage to extend Cease long term and prevent him from hitting free agency.
For the Padres
- Get prospects to build around.
- Don’t lose Cease for nothing in free agency.
- Create payroll flexibility to make other moves during the season or next offseason.
Will the Yankees Do It?

The Yankees have a history of making big moves to stay relevant and acquiring Cease fits into that. They’ve shown they’ll trade top prospects for impact players (e.g. the Juan Soto trade in 2022). With their rotation in shambles and fans demanding answers, trading for Cease could be the spark they need to get back into the championship conversation.

As for the Padres, moving Cease now means they don’t get nothing. It’s a win-win if both teams can agree.
March 26, 2025