ROC RIGGIO IS THE REAL THING!

Let’s take a minute to talk about a guy who’s turning heads, lighting up the stat sheet, and making Yankees brass look smarter than they probably are: Roc Riggio. Yes, that Roc Riggio — the same guy I told you about the second the Yankees drafted him in the 4th round back in July 2023. I said then, and I quote:

"If you don't know him, know this… you will love him. He’s about as hardnosed as it gets."
I stand by that. Hell, I double down on it now.

Riggio is currently torching minor league pitching like it personally insulted him. The lefty-swinging second baseman — ranked 24th in the Yankees system — isn’t just improving this season. He’s going scorched-earth. In just 27 games in 2025, he’s already got 11 home runs, including four bombs in five games at Double-A. Pitchers are looking confused. Scouts are buzzing. And Yankee fans? We might finally have something cooking in the farm system.

It’s not just the power, either. Roc’s approach is sharper. He’s laying off junk. Seeing the ball better. Hitting the ball harder. His OPS has skyrocketed, and he's making more consistent, violent contact — the kind that makes you glance at the radar gun just to see if the ball left a vapor trail.

Now, yes — the glove needs a little work. He’s a second baseman who’s still finding his rhythm defensively, and we’re not about to crown him Roberto Alomar. But with the Yankees desperately trying to patch holes from within, Riggio’s bat might be too loud to ignore. A September call-up? Maybe. Trade bait? Possibly. Either way, he’s getting harder and harder to stash.

What makes Riggio such a gem isn’t just the talent — it’s the edge. He’s got that fiery, come-at-me attitude that old-school fans worship and the modern game tries to sanitize. He taunts. He grinds. He plays with a chip on both shoulders. In an era when players are afraid to even raise their voice, Roc is out here playing like it's a bar fight in the bottom of the 9th. I love it. We need it.

I said it when he was just a college sophomore: this dude is built different. I just hope — pray — the Yankees don’t ruin him. Don’t mess with his mojo. Don’t over-coach him. Just let the kid be himself. Because if they do? If they let him grow and give him a shot?

Roc Riggio won’t just be a name you remember.
He’ll be the name you chant in October...one day for sure.