I LOVE THE BALLS ON ALEX VERDUGO!

 Alex Verdugo has a plan.

In the cutthroat world of Major League Baseball, it’s not every day you see a player betting on himself with the kind of swagger and confidence Alex Verdugo is bringing to the table right now. The former Yankees outfielder, who dazzled us with his defensive prowess in left field throughout 2024, is a free agent with a bold move: a one-year "prove it" deal.

The 28-year-old’s performance in 2024 was a tale of two halves. On the one hand, his defense was nothing short of spectacular. He patrolled left field with grace and grit, turning potential extra-base hits into outs with a flick of his glove and a flash of speed. Yet, despite his heroics on the field, his offensive numbers didn’t quite keep up. A slump at the plate hurt his overall value, casting a shadow over his otherwise strong season.

This dip in offensive production has undoubtedly impacted Verdugo’s chances of securing a premium, long-term deal in free agency. But instead of letting this setback define him, Verdugo is leaning into the challenge, ready to prove his worth all over again.

ESPN’s baseball guru Jeff Passan has weighed in on the situation, predicting that Verdugo and his fellow free-agent outfielders are looking at one-year contracts. Passan explains, “Outfielders haven’t panicked yet because the combination of need and contending teams should get them paid.” He mentions that players like Jesse Winker, Randal Grichuk, and Verdugo are poised to find solid platoon roles, hoping for a resurgence that will lead to more substantial opportunities in the future.

Choosing to go with a one-year "prove it" deal is a risk, no doubt about it. But it’s a risk that Verdugo is willing to take, and that’s what makes him stand out and I love it. He's sending a message to the league: he’s not done yet. He’s ready to reclaim his place not just as a defensive wizard but as a complete player who can deliver on both sides of the ball. And that’s the kind of attitude that can turn a one-year deal into a career renaissance.

So, here’s to Alex Verdugo, the man with the guts to bet on himself. In a world that often rewards caution, he’s choosing courage. And that’s something we can all root for.

ALONSO TELLS STEVE COHEN TO GO F HIMSELF...

 Or something like that.

Steve Cohen has officially fumbled the bag, and it’s honestly fun to watch. He splurged almost a billion dollars on Juan Soto—a player who, let's be real, is probably going to be a faded star in just a few years. It’s like Cohen blew all his money on a sports car only to realize he can’t afford the insurance. Now, with his pockets feeling lighter, he’s suddenly looking for discounts and cutting corners. Genius, right?

Let’s talk about Pete Alonso—a guy who gave his all to the Mets. Alonso bled blue and orange, became a fan favorite, and was the heart of the team. He brought energy, power, and an undeniable love for the game. And what does Cohen do? He lowballs him with a last-minute, half-hearted offer. Pete deserved better. A lot better.

Cohen’s obsession with being the owner who bagged the biggest name this offseason has backfired spectacularly. Sure, Soto might look great on paper, but you don’t win championships by overpaying for one player while neglecting the rest of the team.  Mets fans should be wondering what could’ve been if Cohen had valued loyalty and team chemistry as much as he valued flashy headlines.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Alonso rejected the Mets' weak three-year, $68-$70 million offer. Can you blame him? That deal screams, "We don’t really want you, but we have to make it look like we tried." It’s a slap in the face to a player who gave everything to the franchise. Alonso deserves a team that appreciates him, and now the Toronto Blue Jays are wisely stepping up as frontrunners to sign him.

So, to hell with Steve Cohen and his misguided priorities. He wanted to be the big-shot owner who won the offseason, but in the process, he’s losing the soul of the team. Pete Alonso deserved loyalty and respect, not a cheap last-minute offer. Mets fans deserved better too. What a colossal joke.

THE 2025 YANKEES WILL BE A SUCCESS & BOONE WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT

 Aaron Boone is hailed by some as a capable leader, but let's cut through the noise—Boone is overrated, inexperienced, and lacks the critical skills needed to lead the Yankees to a championship. Sure, he may be friendly with his players, but being a buddy doesn't equate to being a great manager when the stakes are high. If Boone were truly exceptional, the Yankees might have celebrated a World Series victory by now. But the harsh reality is that the Yankees' recent successes are a testament to the talent of players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, not Boone’s strategy.

When the going gets tough, Boone’s inability to problem-solve becomes glaringly obvious. He doesn’t think like a manager; he acts like a fanboy starstruck by his proximity to the Yankees. It’s pathetic. Boone is more focused on being in the inner circle than on making the tough calls that championship-caliber teams need. And now, the audacity to believe an extension is in the works? That’s laughable.

Enter Emmanuel Berbari, a baseball analyst who seems enamored with Boone’s tenure. In a passionate statement, Berbari exclaimed, “Four more years, Aaron Boone. I don’t want a lame duck entering this season; I want a mandate for Boone.” Berbari credits Boone with consistently getting the most out of his teams, praising him for reaching the ALCS with the best roster on paper in the AL.

What Berbari fails to grasp is that players like Aaron Judge won’t publicly criticize their manager, especially not Boone, who "backs the players." But backing the players doesn’t mean Boone knows how to manage. The Yankees have shown they can compete with the best, but under Boone, they haven't reached the pinnacle. If Boone were truly elite, the Yankees would have more than a few playoff runs—they’d have championships.

Berbari needs to take a long walk and rethink his stance. His blind support for Boone overlooks the critical flaws that keep the Yankees from greatness. Boone isn’t the mastermind behind the team’s success; he's just riding the coattails of an immensely talented roster. It's time to face the truth—Aaron Boone is not the manager who will lead the Yankees to the top.

There. Who all who asked where my anger for Boone went, it's still there... there was just so much great rumor mill stuff coming out I got side tracked! Happy Thursday!

THE NEXT YANKEE RECLAMATION PROJECT IS HERE!

The Yankees like their projects, and the next one is here. As soon as I saw this, I knew it had Matt Blake feeling all happy and tingly. Michael Arias was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, and as of Wednesday he's a Yankee all for low price of cash considerations.

This is EXACTLY the move that we expect from the Yankees (even if it isn't met with enthusiasm), and it will be interesting to see how the Yankees mold him. The Yankees love relievers that throw hard, and that is exactly what they got with Arias. Maybe more so than what they bargained for because he has some control issues....and sometimes has no clue where the ball goes.

Okay, that might be a stretch but certainly sometimes the pitch he plans to throw is not what actually happens. Or, its location is not what was intended. There's some work to be done there but, there's also potential. The Yankees also have room on their 40-man roster so, this was an easy no-brainer in the minds of Yankee brain trust.

So, what are the Yankees working with? Raw talent. Arias was ranked as the 18th best prospect and the ability to throw a fastball near 100 mph. Last season, Arias struck out 72 and walked 48 in 60.1 innings while pitching to a 4.77 ERA. The power behind his fastball and sinking changeup are impressive to watch but the walks and control issues are a real concern. There is raw talent, especially for a 23-year-old who was converted from a shortstop four years ago.... but there is a lot of work to be done.

So, this is where Matt Blake comes in and hopefully polishes him up. Arias only cost the Yankees cash, so they have nothing to lose here. That being said, the walks need to be fixed and even if the Yankees can't "fix" him they got this kid for nothing. What’s the downside? It also doesn’t mean they can’t still add a second or third baseman which they desperately need. Even if it doesn't happen.... it's not because of the Arias addition. 

So, is this Brian Cashman dumpster diving again....or a promising reclamation project? We'll have to wait and see but considering how economical this move is, I don't hate it. Hopefully in the future it works out and I will love it. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

ALEX BREGMAN IS STILL WITHOUT A HOME, GUYS

 Alex Bregman still hanging around on the free-agent market is like a piñata that just won’t crack open, no matter how hard you swing. But, hey, the longer he’s out there, the better it is for the Yankees—and let’s be real, Yankee fans are no Bregman groupies. Yet, imagining him in pinstripes for a few years (and not a day over) could be a win-win for everyone involved. Here's why.

Bregman reportedly gave a big ol’ "No, thanks" to a six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros earlier this offseason. The Astros have moved on, but Bregman? He’s still floating around like a helium balloon no one tied down. The Red Sox, Tigers, and Blue Jays are sniffing around, but nobody’s biting just yet because, let's face it, beating that 6/$156M deal seems as likely as a snowstorm in July.

Now, the Yankees weren’t going to blow their wallets open for a long-term deal that would make Bregman the new Bronx Emperor. But, as he flutters around the market, the Yankees could sneak in with a cheeky little short-term offer, just like Scott Boras did with his clients last winter.

According to Cubs insider Bruce Levine, Boras, Bregman, and the Cubs have been whispering sweet nothings about short-term deals with opt-outs. So, why shouldn't the Yankees crash that party? Imagine this: The Yankees offload Marcus Stroman's cash (or most of it), then wave a three-year deal at Bregman with that sweet $26 million deal, plus an opt-out after Year 1. Voila! It's like getting your cake and eating it too.

Sure, the Cubs are trying to woo Bregman, but Yankee fans might just be thinking, "We could do that." A top infielder at a bargain price for just a year or two? It’s like finding a designer suit on clearance—why wouldn’t you grab it? Yanks Go Yard is all aboard the Bregman train, and honestly, it’s starting to make a lot of sense.

In the end, Bregman to the Yankees on a short-term deal could be the drama-filled, back-page headline New York never knew it needed. Yankee fans may not love him now, but give him a year in the Bronx, and who knows? Maybe, just maybe, he’ll turn from villain to hero, at least for a little while.

Nah, we'd still hate him.

IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE TO BRING BACK TIM HILL

Bleeding Yankee Blue has consistently highlighted the need for the Yankees to re-sign Tim Hill, and it’s clear that this decision should be a top priority. Hill’s standout performance last season cemented his value in the bullpen, making him an essential piece that the Yankees can’t afford to overlook. Bringing him back isn’t just smart—it’s affordable and makes perfect sense.

Hill’s role in the Yankees’ bullpen is pivotal, and fans are increasingly clamoring for his return to fortify the team’s left-handed relief options. There’s a growing consensus that Hill is the only lefty reliever the Yankees should be considering, especially when compared to other candidates who carry significant injury risks.

Brian Cashman is facing criticism for his apparent preference for older, injury-prone players over younger, more dependable options like Hill. A frustrated fan expressed their discontent, stating, “Really, another ‘OLD’ recently injured player? Really? Will someone with a brain tell Cashman that baseball is a young man’s game?"

While Cashman has achieved much during this offseason, striking a balance between experience and emerging talent is crucial. Re-signing Tim Hill is a prime example of such a balanced move. Hill’s consistent performance last season has earned him a spot in the bullpen and bringing him back is not just a logical choice—it’s one that fans see as vital for the Yankees to regain their competitive edge.

TRADE FOR JACE JUNG? IT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE

Ah, the New York Yankees—a team with a third-base situation that is getting more play than I ever did after my senior prom. 

With big-name stars like Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado requiring big money, it's clear the Yankees aren't ready to break the bank. So, what's Cashman to do? Hit the trade market and hope for a little bit of that old Bronx magic.

Enter Jace Jung, the Detroit Tigers' prized prospect and potential cornerstone for their third base. The Tigers are pretty much in a "hands-off" mode with Jung, envisioning him anchoring their hot corner for years to come. But hey, why let a little thing like "zero interest in trading him" stop us from dreaming?

The Tigers do need starting pitching, though. So, what if Brian Cashman dangled Clarke Schmidt in front of them, like a cat toy for a kitten? It might be enough to get Detroit’s front office curious. Jung would bring stability to the Yankees at third base as well as a youth movement, fitting Cashman's current obsession with cost control.

But let's not get carried away. This is the baseball rumor world, where every day is a guessing game, and most of the time, everyone's out there just throwing darts in the dark. Maybe the Tigers will bite; maybe they'll laugh us out of the room. Either way, it's fun to imagine, right?

Of course, Jung isn't the only young third baseman on the market. There are other promising players the Yankees could chase if they decide to part with someone like Schmidt. But if the Yanks don't want to stay internal, what a fun option.

Stay tuned. I have ever loved the rumor world as much as I have this offseason. No doubt about it.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF THE YANKEES GRABBED TANNER SCOTT

Let’s face it, Tanner Scott isn’t just your average left-handed reliever—he’s one of those guys who makes batters wonder why they even bothered picking up a bat. If the Yankees snag him, their bullpen could go from good to downright terrifying.

This past season, Scott was like a baseball nomad, splitting his time between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. And boy, did he make the most of it! Before he packed his bags at the trade deadline, Scott was boasting a ridiculous 1.18 ERA and had already struck out 53 hitters in just 45.2 innings. Not surprisingly, this earned him his first All-Star Game nod after eight years in the league.

"With the Yankees, Scott has the makings of Andrew Miller 2.0," writes Just Baseball. "Miller posted a 1.77 ERA through 104 outings as a Yankee, striking out nearly 15 batters per nine innings and being one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game. Scott’s close to there already, so his addition would bring back a ton of memories for followers of the Yankees."

Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Pair Scott with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, and suddenly, the Yankees’ bullpen could become an impenetrable fortress. It’s like assembling a dream team of shutdown artists, with Scott ready to bring the heat and make batters rethink their choices.

A few days ago, someone floated the idea of bringing in David Robertson, which is great and all, but why stop there? Adding Tanner Scott to the mix would be like getting not just a cherry on top but the whole sundae bar. Who wouldn’t want an extra layer of security, especially when the stakes are high in the postseason?

Last year, the Yankees learned a tough lesson: you can never have too many dominant bullpen arms. When October baseball rolls around, having a guy like Scott who can mow down hitters is a must, not a luxury. 

So, let’s make it happen, Yankees. Scott’s arm could be just the magic touch the bullpen needs.

WILL DOMINIC SMITH HELP THE YANKEES?

Source: NY Post

As you know, the Yankees continue to add depth to their team as spring training 2025 approaches. According to the New York Post and Bleeding Yankee Blue just 12 hours ago (Read THE YANKEES JUST SIGNED ANOTHER FIRST BASEMAN), the team signed former Met and Red Sox Dominic Smith to a minor league deal. The lefty can play the outfield and platoon with newly signed Paul Goldschmidt. So just like that, Dom Smith is a Yankee. 

According to Athlon Sports, "New York Yankees fans may not be overjoyed with the team’s latest offseason signing but Jazz Chisholm, Jr. is clearly pleased." The Yankees infielder posted a video showing his excitement for Smith coming to the Yankees. Chisholm "has previously referred to Smith as a “big brother” and said the former Mets, Red Sox, and Reds first baseman was one of the players who looked out for him when he was younger."

Source: Forbes 

What this trade does is give the Yankees just a notch more, even though we as fans likely don't see it right now. He's come into games for the Mets and just been explosive. And hopefully he does that for their minor league team and eventually makes his way up to the Bronx.

Many call Smith a safety net, perhaps behind Goldschmidt who is a 37-year-old veteran and as a platooning outfielder, particularly as the season progresses. "For the Yankees, Smith represents a reliable, low-risk option. He won’t push Goldschmidt for playing time, but in a season where depth often decides success, having someone like Smith stashed away could make a difference. Injuries and inconsistencies happen over the course of a long season, and Smith has shown he can handle the pressure when called upon," reports Empire Sports Media. 

So, you might not be excited. And you might not care all that much. Yet, the Yankees made a good deal at a low price. Smith could pay dividends in 2025. And overall, he could make a big difference down the stretch. 

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

YOU NEED ANOTHER HA-SEONG KIM WISH POST

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around because Bleeding Yankee Blue has been banging this drum so loudly that even the folks in the cheap seats can hear it. For two months, we've been shouting from the rooftops that Ha-Seong Kim is the answer the Yankees have been searching for. Seriously, this guy might just be the final piece of the championship puzzle. The Yankees need to add some depth to their infield, specifically at second or third base. And guess what? Jazz Chisholm is more than ready to step in and take the spot the Yankees don’t fill.

Look, we all love DJ LeMahieu. The guy’s been a rock for the Yankees. But let’s be honest here—hoping for a resurgent season from him is a bit like hoping you’ll finally win the office March Madness pool after years of picking your favorite mascot. It could happen, sure, but would you bet your life savings on it? Probably not. The Yankees’ front office shouldn’t either.

Enter Ha-Seong Kim, stage right. The former San Diego Padres infielder has been linked to the Yankees as a potential target, and for good reason. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report mentioned Kim as a logical fit for the Bombers. And trust us, when it comes to logic, Miller’s got it nailed down.

Sure, Miller predicted that Kim might sign with the Seattle Mariners (because who doesn't love some good old-fashioned Mariners speculation?), but he also dropped a little nugget of hope for us Yankees fans. If a bidding war breaks out, Miller hints, the Yankees could easily come out on top.

"The Yankees have also been a reported suitor for Kim's services after the recent rumblings of a trade for Luis Arraez seemed to fizzle out in a hurry. And if it boils down to a bidding war between the Yankees and the Mariners, well, advantage Yankees," Miller wrote. And let’s face it, when it comes to bidding wars, the Yankees are like that guy at the auction who keeps raising his paddle while sipping on a martini. Cool, calm, and ready to win.

So here we are, Yankees fans, with our fingers crossed and our hopes high. Ha-Seong Kim isn’t just an option; he’s the secret weapon we’ve been waiting for. And here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we’re not just jumping on the bandwagon—we built the bandwagon. Let’s make it happen, Yankees. Bring Kim to the Bronx and let’s see how this story unfolds.

DAVID WELLS: THE ULTIMATE BAD BOY & THE LEGENDARY RISK

Over two decades ago, one of baseball's ultimate bad boys, David Wells, pulled off a stunt so rebellious and gutsy that it's become the stuff of legend. Wells, known for his fearless demeanor on and off the mound, decided to honor baseball's greatest icon, Babe Ruth, in a way only a true maverick could. He donned an original Babe Ruth cap during a game, breaking MLB's strict uniform rules and earning himself a spot in the annals of baseball folklore.

Let’s set the scene: It’s the 1990s, and David Wells, the big lefty with a reputation for being as tough as they come, walks into the ballpark with a secret weapon. He had shelled out a cool $35,000 for an authentic Babe Ruth cap, the same one the "Sultan of Swat" wore in a real Major League game. To Wells, this cap wasn’t just a piece of memorabilia—it was a living, breathing piece of Yankees history, something that demanded to be celebrated, not hidden away in a collector’s vault.

When Wells decided, “I’m gonna wear this s*cker,” you better believe he meant it. Joe Torre, the Yankees' legendary manager, got wind of the plan and immediately tried to put a stop to it. Torre, ever the professional, knew the rules and tried to steer Wells away from what he saw as a foolhardy move. But let’s face it, Wells wasn’t about to let some technicalities get in the way of making history.

During practice, Torre kept a hawk’s eye on Wells, ensuring the cap stayed off. But when the game was about to start, according to reports, Wells pulled a fast one. He slipped into the locker room, slapped on the Babe’s cap, and ran out onto the field like the rebel he was. The music blasted, the fans roared, and there was Wells, standing on the mound with the Babe’s cap firmly on his head.

Sure, Torre saw the cap and demanded it come off, but Wells, already on the mound, was in his element. He pitched with that cap, knowing full well that a fine was coming his way. And come it did—$2,500, a slap on the wrist for such a priceless moment.

Years later, Wells auctioned off the cap for a staggering half a million dollars. As fans, we can’t help but wish he never let it go, but the story? The story lives on, immortalized in the hearts of baseball lovers everywhere. It’s one of those epic tales that makes you appreciate the audacity of guys like Wells, who dare to break the mold for the love of the game.

So, hats off to David Wells—the tough guy, the bad boy, the legend who turned a simple cap into an unforgettable chapter in baseball history.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE YANKEES WILL WIN THE 2025 WORLD SERIES

I usually despise predictions. They’re often meaningless, little more than speculative noise. But I must admit, this one feels refreshing. The Yankees, after making significant strides in the offseason, finally seem interested in winning rather than just coasting.

According to MLB Network host Robert Flores, “I think the Yankees finally get over the hump this year. That’s my way-too-early prediction for 2025.” Normally, I’d roll my eyes at such an early call, but this time, it feels grounded in reality.

The Yankees were close to clinching their 28th World Series title last year, securing the American League East title with a 94-68 record and advancing through two playoff rounds. Yet, it was clear they lacked the necessary pieces to go all the way. But we said that would happen here on Bleeding Yankee Blue, and the reason was simple; You can't just sign Juan Soto and expect to win it all. One player doesn't win a championship, and he was a selfish player anyway.  And so, we didn't win.

However, the offseason moves speak volumes. The Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Cubs, signed pitcher Max Fried and slugger Paul Goldschmidt as free agents, and, crucially, they added Devin Williams to bolster their bullpen. These aren't just tweaks—they're transformative changes.

Let's not forget the key players still in pinstripes: Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe. By cutting ties with Juan Soto, they’ve made a strategic move to improve team dynamics and collaboration.

The Yankees’ lineup now brims with the power to dominate opponents, and their pitching staff is poised to shut down opposing lineups. This offseason wasn’t about minor adjustments; it was a decisive step towards constructing a championship-caliber team.

I must admit, Flores' prediction doesn't seem so outlandish. In fact, I’m inclined to get on board with it. After being down on the Yankees for most of 2024, it's refreshing to see a team that not only made it to the World Series but now has the pieces to win it all.