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  • Carlos Rodon Squanders Lead as Yankees Lose to Giants

    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.

  • Yankees Eye $60 Million Reunion to Solve DH Dilemma

    Yankees Eye $60 Million Reunion to Solve DH Dilemma

    The Yankees need a designated hitter (DH) solution with Giancarlo Stanton’s return timeline uncertain. While Jasson Domínguez has been mentioned as an option, he may not be ready for the big leagues yet. Instead, the Yankees should look to a familiar face: Alex Verdugo, whose $60 million market value and versatility make him an interesting choice.

    Why Alex Verdugo is the Answer for the Yankees?

    Verdugo spent 2024 with the Yankees and is a free agent now. He could be the perfect short term solution. He had a down 2024—.233 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI —but he hit his career high in home runs. His batting average was his lowest of his career but his power numbers showed he can still contribute.

    A Familiar Face in the Bronx

    Verdugo knows what it’s like to play in the Bronx and what it means to wear pinstripes. His defensive versatility is a bonus. If the Yankees give Domínguez a shot in left field, Verdugo can rotate between DH and outfield duties.

    How Verdugo Fits in with the Yankees

    The Yankees never replaced Juan Soto and their lineup could use a spark like Verdugo who brings energy and consistency. He’s not a star but he can be a solid contributor since he can hit for average and power.

    Verdugo’s best trait is his defence. In 2024 he was in the 96th percentile in Arm Value and the 94th percentile in Arm Strength according to Baseball Savant. He’s good in left field even if the Yankees decide to give Domínguez more playing time.

    Temporary Solution with Long term benefits

    Signing Verdugo to a one year deal allows the Yankees to test the waters without committing long term resources. If Domínguez develops into what they hope he can be then Verdugo’s role can fade away or diminish. If Stanton’s injury lingers or Domínguez struggles then Verdugo is the safety net.

  • Did Alex Verdugo Just Hint at a Move to the Yankees?

    Did Alex Verdugo Just Hint at a Move to the Yankees?

    As Spring Training gets underway the New York Yankees still have options in left field. One name that is surfacing is Alex Verdugo and his cryptic Instagram post has fans buzzing about a return. With a simple caption—“In due time”—Verdugo has the fan base thinking he might be back in the Bronx in 2025.

    Verdugo’s Post Fuels Yankees Rumors

    Alex Verdugo posted an edited highlight reel of his 2024 season with the Yankees on Instagram. The caption? “In due time.”

    The post went viral and now fans are speculating he might be hinting at a return. With his solid defense last season and the Yankees current needs in left field it’s easy to see why.

    Why Verdugo Makes Sense for the Yankees?

    • Elite Defense: Verdugo was in the 96th percentile in Arm Value and 94th percentile in Arm Strength, according to Baseball Savant. He would provide stability in left field while top prospect Jasson Dominguez develops.
    • Offensive Upside: Although Verdugo struggled offensively in 2024—especially in power and hard hit percentage—he still has offensive upside if he can get back to form.
    • Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Yankees gave up a lot for Verdugo in December 2023—No. 10 prospect Richard Fitts and reliever Greg Weissert. Bringing him back on a one year deal would justify the trade.

    What Happened Last Season?

    Verdugo had a mixed bag of results in his first season with the Yankees:

    • Defense: He was great defensively— elite arm strength and made impactful plays in left field.
    • Offense: Offensively he regressed—power numbers dropped and hard hit percentage fell below expectations. Injuries may have been a factor but was noticeable.

    Despite the struggles Verdugo is a reliable option for a team looking to balance defense and offense in left field.

    Jasson Dominguez’s Development Creates Urgency

    Another reason Verdugo makes sense is Jasson Dominguez’s development. He’s “The Martian” and has huge upside but is still working through the kinks in left field.

    Verdugo holds down the position for another year and Dominguez can develop without being rushed into a starting role too soon.

    The Trade That Brought Verdugo to New York

    In December 2023 the Yankees acquired Verdugo from the Red Sox for:

    • Richard Fitts: A top prospect who made headlines in Spring Training by hitting 99 mph with his fastball.
    • Greg Weissert: A reliable reliever who threw 63 innings for Boston in 2024.
    • Nicholas Judice: An unranked prospect to complete the deal.

    Given what the Yankees gave up they can recoup some value from the trade by re-signing Verdugo – even on a short deal.

    Will They Do It?

    If the Yankees want a solid defensive outfielder with some pop, a Verdugo reunion looks more and more likely. A one-year deal gives them flexibility and Dominguez more time to develop. Plus it shows the fans they’re committed to a 2025 competitive team.

  • Who is Winning the War? Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle Becomes a Spring Focal Point

    Who is Winning the War? Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle Becomes a Spring Focal Point

    The New York Yankees have a third base problem this spring and Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and now DJ LeMahieu are all in the mix for the job. As the competition heats up, the Yankees have to decide who will be manning the hot corner for 2025.

    Peraza is Ahead of Cabrera

    Through the early days of spring training, Oswald Peraza has quietly put himself in the lead for the job at third base. He’s been solid .333/.400/.333 with a few singles. Meanwhile Oswaldo Cabrera has struggled .167/.167/.417 with one home run.

    Why Peraza’s Situation is Critical

    Peraza is out of options so if he doesn’t make the team he’ll be designated for assignment. That would likely mean he’d be claimed off waivers by another team. The stakes are high for Peraza and he’s responding with urgency, making the most of every opportunity this spring.

    LeMahieu’s Uphill Climb

    DJ LeMahieu being back in action doesn’t necessarily mean he’s back in the mix for the 3rd Base job—at least not yet. The 36 year old infielder has declined the last two seasons and is late to spring training so he’s behind Peraza and Cabrera in terms of readiness.

    Even at his peak LeMahieu’s bat speed and offense was declining so he’s better suited for a rotational role rather than an everyday starter. If he can’t get his offense going quick it’s unlikely he’ll push Peraza or Cabrera out of the picture.

    Could the Yankees Look Elsewhere?

    If neither Peraza nor Cabrera can provide consistent offense at 3B the Yankees may have to look outside. The organization didn’t spend much this offseason but a lack of production at 3B could make an upgrade a necessity rather than a luxury.

    For now it’s internal only with Peraza ahead of Cabrera but with LeMahieu in the mix the dynamics of the competition could change again as the Yankees figure out their best options heading into the season. 

    FAQs About the Yankees’ 3rd Base Battle

    Who’s in the lead?

    Oswald Peraza is ahead of Oswaldo Cabrera so far this spring but DJ LeMahieu’s back in the mix.

    Can LeMahieu still get the job?

    LeMahieu has experience but his late start to spring training and decline the last two seasons means he’s more likely to be a rotational player at 3B rather than an everyday starter.

  • New York Yankees Predicted to Trade for St. Louis Cardinals Slugger

    New York Yankees Predicted to Trade for St. Louis Cardinals Slugger

    The New York Yankees have already made a big waves this offseason by signing Paul Goldschmidt but they may not be done adding to the roster. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller the Yankees could be bringing in another St. Louis Cardinal: Nolan Arenado. With the Cardinals going young veterans like Arenado might soon be available and the Yankees would be the perfect fit.

    Why the Yankees Should Get Nolan Arenado?

    St. Louis is rebuilding and that process has already run Paul Goldschmidt out of town. It’s only a matter of time before other veteran stars, including Arenado, are moved to speed up the process. The 34 year old third baseman is one of the best defensive players at the position and even in a down year his offense is still around average—better than what the Yankees have at third base right now.

    What Happened Last Year?

    Arenado had his worst season ever in 2024, hitting .272/.325/.394 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs. Those numbers aren’t great but they’re better than what Oswaldo Cabrera is currently at third base.

    Even if Arenado doesn’t completely bounce back to his peak he offers stability and experience—a big change of pace from Cabrera’s plate struggles.

    Best Case for Arenado

    From 2020-2023 Arenado was consistent, hitting .271/.328/.495 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs per season. If he can get back to that even partially it’s a big boost to the lineup. At worst he’s a valuable asset because of his defense especially in high leverage situations where reliability matters most.

    The Case Against Oswaldo Cabrera

    Oswaldo Cabrera is projected as the Yankees’ starting 3B and hasn’t proven to be an everyday player yet. Last year he hit .247/.296/.365 with 8 HR and 4 SB. His previous season was even worse and now we wonder if he can handle the postseason pressure.

    Cabrera is above average defensively but his bat just isn’t reliable enough for the Yankees to trust him as their primary 3B. New York can’t enter October with that kind of uncertainty at a key position.

    Super Utility Role More Likely

    If the Yankees get Arenado it would allow Cabrera to move back into a super utility role where his versatility and solid glove can shine without the burden of being an everyday player. This would play to both players strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.

    Why Trading for Arenado Makes Sense?

    Affordable Contract

    Arenado’s contract is surprisingly cheap. He’s owed $51M over the next 3 years, $75M luxury tax. For a team like the Yankees who often operate over the tax threshold, that’s a reasonable price for a player of his caliber.

    Low Prospect Cost

    With the Cardinals in rebuild mode, acquiring Arenado might not cost the Yankees much in prospect capital. St. Louis will want to shed salary and clear space for young players, so they may be willing to accept less in return.

    Clutch Experience

    One area where Arenado excels is in big moments. Even in his “off” year, he has playoff experience that Cabrera doesn’t. For a team that wants to win a World Series, having someone like Arenado come through in clutch situations can be the difference.

    FAQs About the Potential Arenado Trade

    Why Would the Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado?

    The Cardinals are in a rebuild and are developing young players. Trading Arenado would free up payroll and give prospects a chance to play 3B.

    How Much Is Arenado Owed?

    Arenado is owed $51 million over the next 3 years with a luxury tax of $75 million. Not cheap but a contender like the Yankees could absorb that.

    Would Arenado Be an Upgrade Over Oswaldo Cabrera?

    Yes. Even in a bad year Arenado’s defense and experience far surpass what Cabrera offers. He’s proven he can bounce back to at least average offensively, which would be a huge upgrade.

  • Yankees Left Holding Their Breath in Luis Gil Injury Scare

    Yankees Left Holding Their Breath in Luis Gil Injury Scare

    The New York Yankees are holding their breath after AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil cut short his bullpen session on Friday because of tightness in his right shoulder. Manager Aaron Boone said Gil will have an MRI Saturday to determine the severity of the injury and everyone is waiting to hear.

    What Happened in Gil’s Bullpen Session?

    Gil, who was a big part of the Yankees’ rotation plans, felt tightness in his arm and couldn’t continue his bullpen session after a few pitches.

    “He just felt tight and couldn’t really let it go,” Boone said before the Yankees hosted the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. “Hopefully it’s not too serious but also feels like it’s going to cost us some time.”

    Boone was serious about the situation, noting when a pitcher stops his bullpen session that’s always a red flag.

    “When a pitcher stops his bullpen, that’s bad,” Boone said. “But I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. We’ll see what we have.”

    Why Gil’s Health Is So Big for the Yankees

    He’s a Rotation Player Now

    Gil went over his previous career high in innings last season, throwing 151 ²/₃ with a 3.50 ERA after Tommy John surgery. He was huge for the Yankees when Gerrit Cole was out early in the year. Gil’s performance gave the team confidence heading into 2025.

    Gil had three live batting practices this spring without incident, but the sudden tightness is a concern given his heavy workload last season (far more than his previous totals).

    Who Steps Up If Gil’s Out?

    Gil’s injury opens the door for Marcus Stroman to get into the rotation. The Yankees had planned to trade Stroman this offseason but those plans fell through. Now with Gil out, Stroman could be a rotation guy.

    Stroman said he would only pitch as a starter when he got to camp and it looks like he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity. He’s scheduled to start Sunday.

    Other Depth Options

    Behind the top 5 starters (Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and now potentially Stroman) the Yankees’ depth has already taken two hits this spring:

    • JT Brubaker: Broke his ribs trying to get out of the way of a comebacker in his first spring start and is out indefinitely.
    • Chase Hampton: Had Tommy John surgery last week.

    How Long Will Gil Be Out?

    We won’t know the severity of the injury until Saturday’s MRI results but any prolonged absence is a big deal for the Yankees’ rotation plans. Gil was seen as a key to the team’s 2025 success.

  • New York Yankees Urged to Sign Veteran All-Star Free Agent After Injury

    New York Yankees Urged to Sign Veteran All-Star Free Agent After Injury

    The New York Yankees are in a tough spot just weeks before Opening Day with their designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton dealing with injuries and personal issues. As they try to fill the void left by Stanton’s absence one name has emerged as a solution: veteran slugger J.D. Martinez.

    Can this former Boston Red Sox star stabilize the Yankees’ lineup? Let’s get into it.

    The Giancarlo Stanton Mystery

    Stanton’s absence started with tendonitis in both elbows and he couldn’t swing a bat. That raised Opening Day doubts. But then things got even weirder when manager Aaron Boone said Stanton left spring training for “personal reasons” not related to his injuries.

    “There’s nothing else to say right now. Hopefully we see him soon,” Boone said. “If he wants to address anything he can. But there’s really nothing more to say right now.”

    No timeline for Stanton’s return so the Yankees are scrambling to fill the hole in their lineup.

    Why J.D. Martinez Makes Sense

    A Bat in the Lineup

    At 37 years old, J.D. Martinez may not be the same MVP caliber player he was when he was with the Boston Red Sox, but he’s a good hitter. After a great 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers—where he hit .271/.321/.572 with 33 HR and 103 RBI —Martinez signed a last minute deal with the New York Mets in 2024. Although his numbers dropped off a bit, he still hit 16 HR and 69 RBI in 120 games with a .725 OPS .

    The Yankees are struggling to find production at DH or in left field and Martinez could be the answer.

    Low Risk, High Reward

    Martinez would probably sign a one year deal so he’s low risk. Even if he doesn’t bring his All-Star self he’s a solid depth piece for a lineup that’s thin without Stanton. He’s also a veteran and leader that could help younger players like rookie Jasson Domínguez who might be asked to play a bigger role.

    The Situation at DH and Left Field

    Without Stanton the Yankees have no options at DH and left field. They don’t have a power bat in the middle of the lineup and relying on unproven players or old veterans isn’t ideal. Adding Martinez would immediately upgrade the offense and give Aaron Boone more flexibility with the lineup.

    FAQs About the Yankees’ Situation

    What is wrong with Giancarlo Stanton?

    Stanton has tendonitis in both elbows and hasn’t been able to swing a bat. He also left spring training for undefined “personal reasons” which only adds to the mystery.

    Is J.D. Martinez still good?

    Yes, 37 years old and all, Martinez hit 16 HomeRuns and 69 RBI in 120 games last season with the Mets. He’s not the same guy he was in his prime but he’s still a good hitter who can help the Yankees.

    Would J.D. Martinez be expensive?

    No, Martinez would sign a cheap one year deal. He’s too old and his production is declining so he won’t command a long term or big money contract, he’s a low risk option for the Yankees.