THE ARRAEZ RUMOR THAT WILL NOT DIE

Okay, so this isn’t exactly breaking news—Bleeding Yankee Blue already beat everyone to it (read THIS LUIS ARRAEZ RUMOR CAME OUT OF NO WHERE, HUH? from December 13) —but wow, can you imagine if the Yankees pulled this off? Luis Arraez in pinstripes? Could be interesting.

With the Yankees still on the hunt for one more infielder to round out their 2025 roster, Grant Young of Sports Illustrated recently tossed out an already intriguing idea: Arraez as a trade target for the Bronx Bombers.

“The most obvious reason why Arraez heading to the Bronx seems to make sense is because the Yankees lost Juan Soto this offseason, and the 27-year-old Arraez could help replace what New York will lose with Soto's absence,” Young wrote. “That is not to say Arraez is as good as Soto, or that he will fill the void Soto is leaving behind. But because he's a left-handed hitter who thrives on making contact, he would fit well hitting in front of 2024 AL MVP Aaron Judge in the lineup's No. 2 hole, where Soto was last year.”

Sounds pretty dreamy, right? A lefty contact hitter to balance out the lineup and set the table for Judge? Yes, Arraez doesn’t have the pop Soto brings, but let’s not forget—this guy won the batting title and is practically allergic to striking out. That kind of consistency is something the Yankees desperately need.

But here’s the rub: Arraez is not exactly a defensive wizard. In fact, he’s a bit of a liability at second base. So, if the Yankees trade for him, it might feel like they’re swapping one mediocre defender (Gleyber Torres) for another. The difference? Arraez is an offensive upgrade. The man can rake, plain and simple. But does that make up for his shortcomings with the glove?

And speaking of Torres, what happens to him if this deal goes down? The rumor mill is working overtime, and there are three teams reportedly interested in Gleyber’s services: the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Miami Marlins. Could Torres end up in the AL East tormenting the Yankees as a Blue Jay? Or head west to join Mike Trout? Or maybe the Marlins grab him.

It’s a fascinating chess game, and the Yankees are at the center of it just CRUSHING the offseason. Will they pull the trigger on a deal for Arraez? Will Torres stay or go? So many questions, so much speculation—and honestly, isn’t that what makes the offseason so much fun?

Stay tuned, Yankees fans, I am loving this offseason! I'm alive again.

YANKS OUT ON ARENADO & BREGMAN?

Well, Yankees fans, it looks like Nolan Arenado isn’t coming to the Bronx anytime soon. The Cardinals have reportedly said “thanks, but no thanks” to a trade offer that would have sent the star third baseman to New York in exchange for righty Marcus Stroman. According to MLB.com, Arenado might have been open to waiving his no-trade clause if the Yankees added Paul Goldschmidt to their lineup—spoiler alert: they did just that on Saturday. But even with Goldy on board, the Yankees are officially out on Arenado.

And if you thought Alex Bregman might be plan B, think again. Jack Curry of YES Network shut down that dream, stating bluntly, “Bregman is not a fit because of Yankee Stadium dimensions," this comes from a Reddit post.  Translation: his power numbers wouldn’t play well in New York. Plus, let’s not forget the spicy bad blood between the Yankees and Astros over that infamous sign-stealing scandal. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter summed it up perfectly: “The Yankees were always a long shot for Bregman.”

So, where does that leave the Bombers? Still hunting for a new hot corner star. Arenado may still be one of baseball’s best, but his 2024 numbers weren’t exactly MVP-caliber: a .266 average, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs. Defensively, though? The man is still a vacuum cleaner at third base. Meanwhile, speculation is Bregman’s off the table because of the awkward Astros-Yankees tension.

Remember, Cody Bellinger, the newest member of the pinstriped family and a certified Astros hater. Bellinger’s beef with Houston adds a little extra spice to the mix, and who doesn’t love that?

The Yankees’ quest for a third baseman continues, but one thing’s for sure: this offseason isn’t short on plot twists. 

Stay tuned—because in the Bronx, the soap opera never ends.

BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS TO TAKE A BACK SEAT

Since September 2010, Bleeding Yankee Blue has been a steadfast part of the Yankee fan community, delivering heartfelt articles, sharp insights, humor and unwavering passion for our beloved Bronx Bombers. For over a decade, we've shared our journey with you on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and more recently, BlueSky. Today, we are announcing a new chapter for BYB—one that reflects our dedication to our readers and our commitment to continuing this journey in a way that strengthens our connection to you.

After much thought, I have made the decision to stop posting regularly on social media platforms.

Instead, we are refocusing our efforts on our core home. We are asking for you to go directly to our website: bleedingyankeeblue.blogspot.com. We encourage you to bookmark our blog and make it your go-to destination for all things BYB. 

This change allows us to bring you the same heartfelt content without the distractions of ever-changing social media algorithms. I'm tired of all of it to be honest with you. Too much noise, too much anger and it's tedious, let's be honest. No, Bleeding Yankee Blue is not disappearing—far from it! We are simply restructuring how we deliver the content you’ve come to love and expect.

We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to you, our incredible audience. For 14 years, you’ve supported us, shared our articles, and brought life to the community we’ve built together. Many of you have become more than just readers—you’ve become my personal friends, confidants, and kindred spirits in this shared love for the Yankees. Your comments, likes, shares, and encouragement have meant the world to us. It’s because of you that BYB has thrived, and it’s because of you that we’re excited to continue this journey.

To those who have followed us across the various social media platforms, we can’t thank you enough for your loyalty and engagement. You’ve been the driving force behind every post, every article, and every late-night brainstorm session. While we may not be posting as regularly on those platforms, our love and appreciation for you remain steadfast. We encourage you to keep the conversation going by visiting our blog, sharing your thoughts and posting our stories wherever you'd like. We however will not be.

As we look forward to 2025, we’re filled with excitement and determination. BYB isn’t going anywhere. We also want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible team behind BYB. Suzie Pinstripe, Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa, Mike O'Hara, and Alvin Izzo—your stories, support, and unwavering commitment have been the backbone of our success. Each of you has brought unique perspectives and unmatched talent to this platform, and we are endlessly grateful for everything you’ve contributed. Your voices have made BYB what it is today, and we’re excited for what’s ahead with your continued brilliance.

To our readers: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your loyalty, passion, and engagement have made this journey worthwhile. You are the reason BYB exists, and your support fuels our drive to keep going. This isn’t a farewell—it’s simply a shift, a new way for us to connect and grow together. We love you all, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

So, here’s to the next chapter of Bleeding Yankee Blue. Bookmark us, visit often, and let’s make 2025 our best year yet. Together, we’ll keep the spirit of the Yankees alive and well. Thank you for everything, and we’ll see you on the blog!

--Robert Casey
BYB Chief & Head Writer
Bluesky: @bleednyankeeblu.bsky.social

COHEN BOUGHT A CIRCUS, NOT A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SOTO

Mets fans, rejoice! Your fearless owner, Steve Cohen, just dropped the GDP of a small country on Juan Soto. Why? Because apparently, Cohen thinks the key to beating the Yankees is copying them after their failed experiments. Watching the Yankees sign Soto last winter and still not win a championship should’ve been a cautionary tale. But nope, Cohen saw that and thought, “Sign me up for that train wreck!”

Let’s get one thing straight: Juan Soto is a fantastic player. But one player does not a winning team make. Yankee fans saw that. Baseball is a team sport—something Cohen must’ve forgotten while shopping for his next shiny object. Sure, Soto gave us some highlight-reel moments in pinstripes, but his offseason strategy of ghosting his Yankees teammates like an ex after a bad date wasn’t exactly inspiring. A 15-year contract and a luxury suite for his family? Clearly, this is the “Team Soto” show, and everyone else is just there to fetch the peanuts.

The Yankees learned the hard way that no amount of Soto swagger could fix their problems. It’s like buying a Ferrari to win the Indy 500 but forgetting the rest of the pit crew. Cohen, however, saw that flop and thought, “Hold my billionaire beer.” Fast forward two years, and I guarantee Cohen will be staring at Soto’s contract like it’s a crayon drawing his kid made on the living room wall. And you know what? He’ll deserve it.

Let’s not pretend Soto magically turns the Mets into a legacy team. The Yankees are a Fortune 500 company—polished, historic, and undeniably elite. The Mets? They’re the neighborhood startup that still uses AOL email addresses and thinks a big neon sign will save the business. Adding Soto doesn’t change that. Swagger doesn’t win championships, and Soto’s doesn’t even come with a warranty.

And what about the so-called “cultural shift” Soto is supposed to bring to the Mets? Let’s imagine it: Soto shows up, flips his bat, and… the Mets are still the Mets. Maybe there’s more buzz at Citi Field, but buzz doesn’t fill a trophy case. Meanwhile, the Yankees are quietly building a powerhouse roster with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Devin Williams, even Paul Goldschmidt. Every time the two teams face off, it’ll feel like a playoff game—for the Yankees. For the Mets, it’ll feel like another reminder they’re just playing catch-up.

Honestly, the Yankees dodged a bullet by letting Soto walk. They saved themselves from a 15-year circus and can focus on building a balanced, championship-caliber team. Meanwhile, Cohen gets to hang his “We Got Soto” banner next to that lonely NL pennant from 2015.

So, here’s to Steve Cohen and his latest expensive mistake. That you Uncle Steve for taking that selfish player in Juan Soto. Sure, it’s flashy, it’s exciting, and it’s destined to backfire spectacularly. But hey, Mets fans, at least it’ll be fun to watch—like a soap opera with a really, really big budget.

LEGIT BASEBALL INSIDER FEELS GOOD ABOUT HIS PREDICTION FOR ROKI SASAKI

Predicting where Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki will end up in Major League Baseball is like predicting the weather in April: a mix of guesswork, hope, and squinting at some charts. But ESPN’s David Schoenfield has been among the boldest to venture a forecast. Granted, even Schoenfield admits, “It’s just guessing at this point.”

The Yankees and Mets are both leaning hard into their Big Apple charm to woo Sasaki to the East Coast. Meanwhile, West Coast teams seem to have the natural edge, thanks to their geographical closeness to Japan and the allure of fewer time zones to traverse. The Dodgers, Padres, and perhaps even a surprise contender all remain in the mix. Honestly, it’s a bit like trying to guess which of your friends will actually show up to brunch—everyone says they’re interested, but who knows?

"I'll stick to my original prediction here," Schoenfield wrote on Tuesday, doubling down on his Padres pick. "From a career standpoint, it makes sense for him to go to a team in a good park for pitchers, so that could mean any of the West Coast teams (aside from the A's)—who might already have a small geographical advantage anyway. The Dodgers can pitch their winning ways, while the Padres can sell their smaller market and playing alongside Yu Darvish, Sasaki's favorite player as a kid. Of course, don't rule out the Yankees or Mets if the big-market 'issue' isn't really an issue."

In short: The West Coast has mountains and nice weather; the East Coast has... bagels and Broadway.

The Dodgers, as usual, bring their A-game to the table. They’ve built a reputation as the honors students of pitching development, and the addition of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to their roster only strengthens their appeal. Who wouldn’t want to join a team where your potential roommates are other Japanese superstars?

But don’t sleep on the Padres. San Diego offers a chill, mid-market vibe that might suit Sasaki just fine. Plus, Yu Darvish—the pitcher Sasaki grew up idolizing—is ready to roll out the welcome mat (and maybe even throw in some surf lessons). Oh, and let’s not forget Hideo Nomo, the original trailblazing Japanese MLB star, who happens to be a special assistant for the Padres. Talk about a recruiting dream team.

Meanwhile, the Yankees and Mets are hovering like big-market hawks, ready to swoop in with their massive checkbooks. If Sasaki doesn’t mind the bright lights and high rents, they could still make a compelling case.

Schoenfield thinks the Padres have the edge, but at the end of the day, it’s anyone’s game. Sasaki’s decision will not only shape his career but also leave one fanbase fist-pumping while the others wonder what might have been. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a wild ride.

REMEMBERING WHEN CODY BELLINGER WENT HARD ON THE ASTROS!

Yankee fans, rejoice! Not only is Cody Bellinger officially donning the pinstripes, but he’s also bringing the kind of fiery honesty and no-nonsense attitude that New York loves. We love the fighters here! 

Empire Sports Media deserves a standing ovation for unearthing this gem of a video clip from 2020, where Bellinger unapologetically called out the Houston Astros for their notorious cheating scandal. Let’s take a moment to bask in the glory of a guy who speaks his mind and hates the Astros as much as we do.

Back in 2020, Bellinger—then with the Los Angeles Dodgers—didn't mince words when asked about the Astros' feeble attempts at apology and MLB's handling of the scandal. Speaking before the Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers held their first official workout, Bellinger tore into Astros owner Jim Crane, calling his apology “weak.” He extended that label to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for granting immunity to the players involved.

“Those guys were cheating for three years,” Bellinger said, with the kind of passion that New Yorkers will eat up like a slice of Ray’s Pizza. “I think what people don’t realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in 2017. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us. But it’s over.”

Of course, Bellinger couldn’t resist bringing up one of the most baffling moments in baseball history: Altuve’s suspicious walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman during the 2019 ALCS. “I don’t know what human hits a walk-off home run to send your team to the World Series and, one, has the thought to say, ‘Don’t rip my jersey off,’ but, two, goes into the tunnel, changes their shirt, and then comes out and does their interview. That makes no sense to me,” he said, leaving no stone unturned.

This clip is pure gold, a reminder that Bellinger has always been one of baseball’s real ones. And now he’s ours, Yankee fans. The man is fearless. Bold statements we need in the Bronx.

With all of this in mind, let’s talk about the offseason. If anyone out there seriously thinks the Yankees should go after Alex Bregman, let’s pause for a reality check. Bregman was a central figure in that cheating scandal, and bringing him to New York would be sacrilegious. We don’t need his baggage when we’ve got a straight-shooter like Bellinger to help us write the next chapter of Yankees greatness.

So, here’s to Cody Bellinger, a true Yankee at heart even before he joined the squad. Let’s go, Yankees! And let’s keep hating the Astros together.

RED SOX MAKE A SIGNIFICANT MOVE & WHAT COMES NEXT?

Let’s get one thing straight: Admiring the Red Sox doesn’t mean we like them. They’re still the same team that ruined many good October nights for Yankees fans. But credit where it’s due—they just pulled off a sneaky-smart move, signing Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with incentives.

Buehler’s a fascinating case. After missing 20 months thanks to Tommy John surgery, his 2023 regular season was, uh, let’s call it “forgettable” (5.38 ERA, yikes). But then came the postseason, where he morphed back into that guy. Thirteen scoreless innings later, Buehler reminded everyone he’s still a dude who knows how to win when it matters most. And now he’s in Boston, which means we have to hear about it. Ugh.

Still, this is a decent signing for the Sox. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal with postseason potential. And let’s be honest—after years of trying to replace the Lester-Buchholz tandem (and failing miserably), they could use a break. Fine, Boston. You did good. Are you happy now?

But you know who did better? The Yankees, obviously. Max Fried, ladies and gentlemen. The ace of consistency, the southpaw savior, the guy you want on the mound in October. While Buehler’s postseason heroics are nice, Fried is the kind of pitcher who makes sure you get to October in the first place. Yankees fans should be thrilled about this one. Fried > Buehler all day long.

Now, let’s talk about the other big fish still swimming in free agency: Corbin Burnes. Where’s he headed? My gut says he’s Hollywood-bound. The Dodgers have a knack for making splashy, last-minute moves, and after losing Buehler, you just know they’re itching to flex their payroll muscles. Burnes in Dodger blue feels inevitable—like the ending of every movie where the rich guy wins.

So, while the Red Sox are over there patting themselves on the back for signing Buehler, and the Yankees are busy counting their Fried Ws, just keep an eye on the Dodgers next. 

If Burnes joins that rotation, it might be time to stock up on antacids for the 2025 season.

A MARCUS STROMAN TRADE COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN!

I'm REALLY happy with the Yankees winter so far. I said last month I would be indifferent if Juan Soto left, and now that he has, I am actually ecstatic about it. For the first time in a long time, I am actually really happy with the team Brian Cashman has built for us so far. There's one thing that could take it over the top....

The Yankees are still sorting out where Jazz Chisholm Jr will play next season. It could be second base, or it could be third. Who knows, but honestly, I wouldn't be mad at either. No matter what that the resolution looks like there, the move that would put the icing on the cake would be to trade Marcus Stroman. It's too far-fetched when you think about it.

At this point, Stroman looks like the odd man out. The Yankees don't need him, and he wouldn't be a loss for us at all. The Yankees have Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon on long term deals already. They also have Clarke Schmidt and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil ready to go. I'm ready to see what Gil does next year, and I have more faith in Schmidt. Obviously, the Yankees do too because they didn't use Stroman at all in the postseason.

So the Yankees are sniffing for a match, because honestly, we don't need him. We have better options already and he just didn't prove himself. The Yankees already struck out when they approached the St. Louis Cardinals, read more HERE. I understand why the Cardinals declined, they are trying to shed some payroll also, so if the Yankees aren't willing to eat a bunch of Stroman's money while taking on Nolan Arenado's contract then it just isn't a fit. The Yankees and Cardinals both want to trade players to clear some space for their teams - so it's time to look at other options.

That doesn't mean that the Yankees and Cardinals stop talking about Arenado though, it just means Stroman doesn't get that deal done. Now the Yankees just look for another trade partner that does let them part ways with Stroman. I think if the Yankees eat enough of the $18 million, he is owed this season someone will take him. His contract isn't that bad that he can't be moved.

I think we all know the writing is on the wall for Stroman. Could the Yankees hold onto him for more pitching depth? Sure, but at the amount of money he is owed, stashing him in the bullpen isn't going to be preferable financially or for his skillset. I think a change is coming.... we just have to be patient for it.

Moving Stroman would be a nice finale to my holiday season though. Hopefully Santa hears me and can make it happen....fingers crossed.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES ARE MAKING BIG STEPS TOWARD ROKI SASAKI

Yankees picked up Paul Goldschmidt on a no-brainer 1 year contract and now have been working it when it comes to Roki Sasaki too. Cashman is on fire.

The New York Yankees are putting on an offseason clinic, flexing their muscles in ways that should make every other MLB team nervous, and now they’re gunning for the crown jewel of international talent: Roki Sasaki. Yes, that Roki Sasaki—the Japanese phenom whose fastball is so electric, it probably needs its own passport.

Landing Sasaki would supercharge an already star-studded rotation, giving the Yankees an embarrassment of riches on the mound. Imagine Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Sasaki all sharing a clubhouse. That’s not a rotation; that’s a Hall of Fame exhibit in the making.

But here’s the twist: throwing buckets of cash won’t cut it this time. Thanks to MLB’s international signing rules, Sasaki can only receive money from each team’s international pool, so the Yankees can’t just flex their wallet. Instead, they’re flexing their charm and savvy—and boy, are they playing the game.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees flew cross-country to Los Angeles on Thursday to meet with Sasaki in person. While Japanese players historically lean toward West Coast teams like the Dodgers and Padres, the Yankees have a few tricks up their pinstriped sleeves. For starters, they’ve got a rich history with Japanese stars. Remember Hideki Matsui, the World Series MVP and beloved “Godzilla” of the Bronx? Or Masahiro Tanaka, who dominated for years and became a fan favorite?

Here’s where it gets even better: Tanaka himself is reportedly part of the Yankees’ pitch. As a legend in both Japan and New York, he’s a perfect ambassador to convince Sasaki that Yankee Stadium is where dreams—and championships—come true. Oh, and rumor has it Sasaki is a big fan of Tanaka, so this move could be the ultimate ace up the Yankees’ sleeve.

Sure, the Mets, Dodgers, and Padres are all in the mix, but let’s face it—the Yankees are on a mission to own the offseason and leave the competition eating their dust. With Sasaki in their sights, the Bombers are showing the world that they’re not just contenders; they’re dynasty-builders. And if they pull this off, the rest of MLB better watch out—because the Yankees are just getting started.

THAT TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ RUMOR THAT WON'T GO AWAY

Guess who's making the rounds in the MLB rumor mill again? Yep, Teoscar Hernández. And if this feels like déjà vu, it’s because Bleeding Yankee Blue called it weeks ago, read TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ: A TERRIFIC PLAN B. Now, the chatter is louder than ever, with Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh adding fuel to the fire.

According to Stumbaugh, Hernández might not be heading back to the Dodgers, as many assumed. The reason? Some heavy hitters are entering the fray, including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cincinnati Reds. Yes, folks, the Yankees are apparently sniffing around, and honestly, this rumor has legs.

Let’s break it down. Right now, the Yankees' outfield looks like this: Jasson Dominguez, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger. Sounds solid, right? Well, hold up. While Dominguez is hyped to the moon (and us Yankee fans are here for it), he’s still an unproven commodity in the big leagues. Adding Hernández to the mix would bring a steady, proven bat and glove—something the Yankees could really use instead of banking on Dominguez’s potential alone.

But hey, I get it. Yankee fans have been salivating over Dominguez for what feels like forever. The kid is the Martian, after all, and there’s a real thrill in watching homegrown talent thrive. Personally? I say give Dominguez his shot. But if the front office decides to play it safe with Hernández, I wouldn’t blame them either.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Hernández is reportedly looking for a three-year deal worth $66–$72 million, according to Ken Rosenthal. For context, Anthony Santander is out here asking for $100 million, which, let’s be real, feels like Monopoly money at this point.

The Yankees have a big decision to make. Do they roll the dice on Dominguez and hope the hype train stays on track? Or do they pony up for Hernández, a player who could immediately stabilize their outfield and add pop to the lineup?

One thing’s for sure: if this deal goes down it will be the most incredible Yankee off season since George Steinbrenner were alive.

RICKEY HENDERSON'S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED

Rickey Henderson, the "Man of Steel," has passed away at just 65 years old, leaving a void that feels impossible to fill. The devastating news, reported by TMZ, confirms that Henderson succumbed to a battle with pneumonia after being hospitalized in the Oakland area.

Rickey wasn’t just a baseball player—he was a force of nature. For 24 breathtaking seasons, he lit up Major League Baseball like no one else could. As a Hall of Famer and the undisputed king of stolen bases, Rickey redefined the game, especially for those of us who grew up idolizing him. I can’t quite process this loss. I’ve been a lifelong fan, and even now, I struggle to imagine a world without him. Rickey was the epitome of strength, determination, and showmanship. He seemed invincible.

Billy Beane, former Oakland A’s general manager and now senior advisor, captured Rickey’s brilliance perfectly: “Rickey was the greatest leadoff hitter of all time. There’s no debate. He transformed the game and made every team he played for better.”

Rickey spent most of his iconic career with the Oakland Athletics, but he made an impact everywhere he went, playing for eight other teams along the way. His records, including the all-time stolen base crown, are testaments to his unparalleled ability. But Rickey’s influence wasn’t limited to the numbers in the record books—it was in the way he inspired everyone who watched him play.

The New York Yankees, another team lucky enough to have had him in their clubhouse, released a poignant statement:

"Rickey Henderson was an all-time great player who commanded our attention like few players before or since, transcending our traditional understanding of how elite and thrilling a single player could be... Rickey left an indelible mark on our record book, and he entertained us not only with his baseball talent, but with a no-nonsense personality and knack for showmanship that were ahead of its time.”

When I think about Rickey, I remember the electricity he brought to every game. The way he’d stand at the plate with his signature stance, daring the pitcher to challenge him. The way he’d explode off first base, stealing second before anyone could blink. He wasn’t just a player; he was a phenomenon.

To know that this larger-than-life figure is gone feels surreal. Rickey wasn’t supposed to go this way—he was supposed to outlast us all, still stealing bases in our memories well into his old age.

My heart goes out to his wife Pamela, his daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis, and everyone lucky enough to have been touched by his brilliance. Baseball has lost a giant, and we, his fans, have lost a hero.

Rickey, you were one of a kind, and the game will never be the same without you. Rest in peace, legend. You’ll forever be our "Man of Steel."

READ MORE ABOUT RICKEY HENDERSON FROM BYB:

THE GREATEST QUOTES EVER FROM YANKEE GREAT RICKEY HENDERSON

WHY I'VE ALWAYS LINKED CHRISTMAS TO THE YANKEES

RICKEY HENDERSON HAS DIED

A FRIENDSHIP COULD HAVE HAD A HAND IN GOLDSCHMIDT COMING TO THE BRONX

Source: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

It has taken multiple seasons, but finally Paul Goldschmidt has found his way to Pinstripes. Goldschmidt signed a one-year contract worth $12.5 million to come to the Yankees which brings in another bat and fills the Yankees’ need at first base. The interesting thing is that Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt have already met, swung the bat together and even had lunch in a recent spring training stint. So, there is already chemistry and that could lead to even more benefits for him and the Yankees.

Source: NY Times

"Two offseasons ago, Paul Goldschmidt made a three-hour drive across the state of Florida for a chance to compare notes with one of his favorite stars in Aaron Judge, a couple of reigning Most Valuable Players huddling near the Yankees’ Spring home in Tampa, Fla. Goldschmidt and Judge hit in the cages that day, then hit it off over lunch, with Goldschmidt later gushing that Judge is not only “one of the best hitters on the planet,” but “one of the best people around,” reported MLB.com.

Goldschmidt is 37 and won the National League MVP award with the Cardinals in 2022. According to The Post, however, "The seven-time All Star is coming off a down season by his standards in which he produced a .245/.302/.414 slash line with 22 homers and 65 RBIs." 

Goldschmidt could breathe some new life into the Yankees and his own career with Bombers. And I like the way this could all come together. "The addition of Goldschmidt will give the Yanks a lineup featuring four MVPs, along with Judge (twice), Giancarlo Stanton (once) and the recently acquired Cody Bellinger (once). The 2025 Yankees will be the seventh team to have four MVP winners appear in a single season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau."

One more cool caveat. Goldschmidt has close ties with Nolan Arenado who currently has a no trade clause but could waive for the right reasons. Could the Yankees and his buddy Paul be the right reasons? Imagine those two guys on the hot corners for the Yankees in 2025. And all of those MVPs in one lineup? Here's hoping we get another early Christmas gift and continue to build back from the Juan Soto departure. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof