THE RETURN OF VELAZQUEZ!

Fun news is you remember this guy... Andrew Velazquez is back with the Yanks, kind of! 

Bronx native Andrew Velazquez is reuniting with his hometown team, signing a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite, as reported by Jack Curry of the YES Network. 

It’s a story that practically writes itself—Velazquez, the kid from the Bronx who grew up idolizing the Yankees, back in pinstripes for another shot at glory.

Velazquez captured the hearts of fans in 2021 when he hit his first career home run wearing the Yankee uniform, becoming an instant hometown hero. Now, at 30 years old, he’s returning to where it all began, ready to grind and prove he still belongs. Sure, he’s not walking into Spring Training as the starter, but let’s not count him out just yet.

After spending two years with the Angels and most recently playing in Triple-A for the Braves, Velazquez is back in hopes to bolster the Yankees’ infield depth. And with Caleb Durbin off to the Brewers, the timing couldn’t be better. Velazquez has the versatility and heart you want in a player fighting for a spot.

Is this a long shot? Maybe. But don’t forget, this guy has already lived the dream once. Could lightning strike twice? Could we see him sprinting across Yankee Stadium, making jaw-dropping plays, and bringing the house down again?

Yankee fans, buckle up. Andrew Velazquez is back, and the Cinderella story might just have another chapter. 

Let’s go! 

MIKE FORD'S STILL GOT IT

The Minnesota Twins have handed Mike Ford a fresh chance, signing him to a minor league deal with an invite to big league Spring Training. It’s like finding that old band tee you loved in high school—a little worn, but still cool enough to rock.

Back in 2019, Ford swaggered onto the big league stage with the Yankees and became an instant Bronx legend, kind of. Fans liked him, he had his moments and it worked for a bit. He wasn’t just hitting home runs he was doing the little things. In 50 games, he clobbered 12 homers and put up numbers that made seasoned sluggers do a double-take. Yankee Stadium’s short porch might as well have had his name on it.

For a hot minute, Mike Ford was everything Yankees fans didn’t know they needed. He was fun. He was the kind of guy who made you believe anything was possible—at least until the baseball gods decided to remind everyone that this game is as humbling as it gets. By 2020 and 2021, Ford’s bat cooled off, and the Yankees eventually sent him packing to the Rays for cash. Yeah, not exactly a ticker-tape parade, but hey, that’s baseball.

Fast forward to now, and Ford is still grinding, still chasing that big league dream. And honestly? Good for him. Baseball needs guys like Mike Ford—the underdogs, the surprises, the guys who can come out of nowhere and drop a clutch bomb just when you think you’ve seen it all.

So, here’s to Mike Ford. His time in the Bronx was a riot, and it’s awesome to see him still out there taking his hacks. Who knows? Maybe his Twins chapter will have its own wild moments. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: the ride’s been worth it, every swing of the way.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

MY SPECULATION IS ALEX BREGMAN IS TAINTED

Speculation continues in my world. It's true, when it comes to Alex Bregman’s free agency, many are wondering if the delay in his signing stems from his pursuit of a lucrative payday and lingering questions about his reputation of cheating. 

Bregman, the face of the Houston Astros' 2017 cheating scandal with Jose Altuve, became synonymous with the team’s infamous sign-stealing scheme when he delivered awkward, seemingly insincere apologies during the fallout. 

Now, at 30 years old and seeking a new, huge contract, some believe his association with the scandal is playing a significant role in the hesitation from teams to meet his likely lofty price tag. This is watercooler talk and believe me, I firmly believe this is why there is such a hold up. Reputation is a big thing.

Bregman remains a solid player with a consistent track record of high production during his nine-year career—all spent with the Astros. However, he’s not quite a superstar, and his performance has seen some decline in recent years. Represented by Scott Boras, known for pushing clients toward massive deals, Bregman is undoubtedly aiming high. But given his recent down year and the baggage of his past, Boras may find this negotiation particularly challenging in my opinion.

Rumors have linked several teams to Bregman, with the Chicago Cubs emerging as a potential landing spot. So do the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Yankees, once thought to be contenders for his services, now seem more focused on pursuing Carlos Correa, (Read A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP) who could potentially shift to third base if the fit works. Other teams reportedly in the mix include the Blue Jays, Tigers, and Red Sox.

For Bregman, the issue may not just be the financial figure he’s targeting but also the broader perception of his career post-2017. His association with the scandal casts a long shadow, and teams may be wary of investing heavily in a player carrying such baggage. If I'm Bregman I want to stay in Houston where I'm safe. But the Astros have yet to make a strong push to retain him, adding another layer of uncertainty.

In my view, Bregman’s best chance for stability lies in staying with the Astros, where his history and familiarity with the organization could work in his favor. For now, though, it appears he’s waiting by the phone—and the calls he’s hoping for may not be coming anytime soon.

My opinion of course and I could totally be wrong. But to me, reputation, character and integrity are important.  

SASAKI SWEEPSTAKE TEAMS GETTING MORE EXCLUSIVE...

Kind of.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic claims the Yankees are one of the main teams in the hunt for Rōki Sasaki, along with the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Rangers, Mets, and maybe the Giants. Classic Bowden move—throw half the league at the wall and see what sticks. God love him.  Don’t get me wrong, Jim’s a good baseball guy, but let’s not confuse him with Nostradamus. Does he really know where Sasaki’s headed? Doubtful. But hey, the Yankees are in the conversation, and that’s good enough for now. In reality, you didn't need me to tell you that, just Google it.

Look, Rōki Sasaki isn’t your run-of-the-mill international signing. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent—a flamethrower who could make your team a contender or your rivals weep. Yankees fans are clinging to the fact that Sasaki grew up idolizing Masahiro Tanaka. At least I am and I know it means nothing. I mean, does that really mean Tanaka’s sliding into Sasaki’s DMs with pep talks? Maybe. Or maybe Tanaka’s just living his life while I wildly speculate.

The Yankees have stiff competition, though, and let’s be honest: this isn’t 2009 when the team could just back up a Brinks truck.  Sasaki’s tied up in international bonus pool rules and Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, says market size doesn’t matter, so there goes that Bronx swagger edge and even the Mets.

But is the Big Apple too big? Wolfe recently stirred the pot, telling SportsNet New York, “A small- or mid-market team might be more beneficial for [Sasaki], as a way to start his MLB career in a softer environment.” Okay, Joel, we see you. Basically, Sasaki might not want to deal with New York’s tabloid circus and high-pressure fans right out of the gate. Fair enough—but are we really supposed to believe he wants to start his career in, like, Milwaukee?

Even if Sasaki does have a soft spot for Tanaka and pinstripes, the Yankees are up against some heavy hitters. The Dodgers, Padres, and Mets have plenty of appeal to make things interesting. But let’s be real: until Sasaki’s holding up a jersey at a press conference, this is all just a fever dream and Jim Bowden knows it... Damn you Jim!

So, Yankees fans, keep your cool. It’s fun to imagine Sasaki in pinstripes, but don’t let Jim Bowden’s musings have you picking out parade routes just yet. And Jim? Thanks for the speculation—it’s great for the clicks.  

Love ya!

I'M CALLING IT! HA-SEONG KIM TO THE YANKEES

I have wanted this all winter, and I really and truly believe it's the perfect solution. the question is, will it happen? 

There have been so many infield names thrown around it can make my head spin, but I believe in my heart that Ha-Seong Kim is the right guy for the New York Yankees infield. Bleeding Yankee Blue has been beating this drum since the beginning of December, and for good reason. Kim represents everything the Yankees need to retool their roster for 2025 and beyond. With his unique blend of elite defense, offensive versatility, and base-running acumen, Kim could be the game-changer the Yankees’ infield so desperately requires.

Let’s break it down. The 29-year-old infielder made his transition from the KBO League to Major League Baseball in 2021, signing a four-year, $28 million contract with the San Diego Padres. Over those four seasons, Kim has proven to be a defensive wizard, excelling at shortstop, second base, and even third base. We at Bleeding Yankee Blue summed it up best: “Kim is a dream scenario for any team looking to shore up their infield and add speed to their game. Over his four seasons with the Padres, he’s delivered elite defense at every position. Add in his aggressive approach on the basepaths and you’ve got a player who could completely transform the Yankees’ lineup.”

Offensively, Kim’s ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities complements the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup. The Bronx Bombers have long relied on the home run ball, but they’ve often struggled with consistent situational hitting and manufacturing runs. Kim’s disciplined plate approach and ability to put pressure on opposing defenses could be the perfect antidote to those struggles.

Kim’s decision to opt out of a mutual option with the Padres and accept a $2 million buyout signaled his confidence in testing the free-agent market. Aligning with Scott Boras in October 2024 only added to the intrigue. Boras, renowned for securing record-breaking deals for his clients and I do not like him, but he has wasted no time promoting Kim as a rare combination of affordability and premium talent.

For the Yankees, Kim’s availability represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Plus they have a good relationship with Boras. On one hand, Kim's defensive versatility and offensive upside make him an ideal fit. On the other hand, the Yankees will need to move quickly, as the competition is fierce. The St. Louis Cardinals, in particular, are circling, eager to pair Kim with their rising star Masyn Winn. The Atlanta Braves are also rumored to be in the mix, viewing Kim as a potential X-factor to solidify their infield.

Us Yankee fans love this offseason, but I think this would complete the winter for me and securing a player like Kim could be a bold statement of intent. The team’s infield configuration is currently in flux, but manageable with internal guys, so we technically don't need Kim, but damn it would be a nice piece.

Scott Boras has reassured teams that Kim’s rehabilitation from a minor injury is progressing well, with a projected return to play by late March 2025. For the Yankees, this timeline aligns perfectly with their spring training schedule and preparations for Opening Day.

While Kim checks all the boxes for the Yankees, the front office must act decisively. The Cardinals are reportedly ready to make a competitive offer, viewing Kim as the ideal complement to their young core. But let’s make one thing clear: Ha-Seong Kim is the infielder the Yankees need this offseason. Bleeding Yankee Blue has been saying it since December, and the case only grows stronger with each passing day. 

Will we make this move? Only time will tell. To Cashman I say... do it baby. Do it. 

PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT IS READY TO BALL OUT IN THE BRONX

Paul Goldschmidt spoke about playing in New York today, and at one year, this signing has "low risk, sky-high reward" written all over it.

Sure, Goldy’s 2024 season with the Cardinals wasn’t his best—he hit .245 with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. But don’t let those numbers fool you; the man is motivated, and when Paul Goldschmidt gets fired up, magic happens.

"I want to play at a high level," Goldschmidt said. "The feeling was like, 'Man, I’m better than this.' That was my feeling last year, but you’ve got to go out and prove it. If you don’t perform, you’re not going to be playing, and I think that’s the truth in this game and in life."

Goldy knows the deal. He’s been here before, proving doubters wrong and rising to the occasion. And let’s be honest—there’s no better place to make a statement than Yankee Stadium, where the lights are bright, the fans are loud, and the pressure is dialed up to 11.

Adding to the fun, Goldschmidt is joining a squad packed with talent. He’s already hyped about teaming up with Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger. It’s like the Yankees are building an all-star clubhouse, and Goldy fits right in. "I’m very excited to be part of the franchise and the history they have," he said.

And if you’re worried about his struggles last year, Goldy’s not making excuses. "I didn’t play well most of the year last year, and there’s no excuses for that," he admitted. "That was on me. Hopefully, looking back, there were a lot of things I learned."

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just a redemption story—it’s a potential jackpot. If Goldschmidt finds his groove (and let’s be real, he’s only one swing away), this signing could turn into the steal of the season.

Yankees fans, it’s time to get excited. Goldschmidt is ready to shine, and the Bronx is the perfect stage for his comeback tour. Low risk? Yeah. High reward? Oh, absolutely. 

I am looking forward to this.

A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP

 And Pete Caldera's greatest nugget yet! God love ya, Pete!

When Pete Caldera speaks, the baseball world listens—at least, it should. Caldera isn’t one to toss around baseless speculation for clicks or buzz. He’s a straight shooter, a trusted voice in the sports journalism landscape, and when he ventures into the "Baseball Insider" arena, you know there’s substance behind the whispers. So, when Caldera drops a nugget about the Yankees eyeing Carlos Correa, you might want to sit up, take notes, and start imagining No. 4 donning pinstripes...as another number of course.

The Yankees are in fact an intriguing position. DJ LeMahieu, once the steady heartbeat of their lineup, has become a question mark. Injuries and declining performance have cast a shadow over his reliability. Sure, he’s an internal option for solving the infield puzzle, but it’s clear the Yankees aren’t content to hope for a resurgence. Enter the idea of external solutions—and one name towers above the rest: Carlos Correa.

According to Caldera’s report in NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins. Imagine that for a moment: Correa at third base, a lineup-transforming bat, and a Gold Glove-caliber glove fortifying the left side of the Yankees' infield. It’s a vision that makes your baseball heart race a little faster. Again, in my opinion when this story first dropped days ago, I laughed. But with Pete Caldera putting some names together based on his reporting, this is very real.

But let’s pump the brakes and examine the situation. Correa is no free agent; he’s locked into the third year of a six-year, $200 million contract. Trading for him isn’t just about sending talent to Minnesota—it’s about convincing the Twins to shoulder a significant portion of his salary. That’s no small ask, even for a front office wizard like Brian Cashman. The price, both in prospects and dollars, would be steep. Yet the reward? Potentially franchise-altering.

Even Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media can’t help but gush over the possibilities. Correa, he argues, would bring postseason pedigree, a dynamic offensive presence, and an elite glove to the Yankees. He’s a proven winner who thrives on big stages—the kind of player who could solidify the infield and turn the Yankees from contenders to bona fide threats. Wilson paints a picture of Correa as a game-changer, and it’s hard to disagree.

Still, questions abound. Do the Yankees really need Correa, or would this be a move to block Boston from adding another star to their arsenal? Can the team absorb the financial strain of his contract without crippling future flexibility? How does Cashman sell this deal to a fan base that might balk at the idea of mortgaging the farm for a star with a hefty price tag? And perhaps most tantalizing, how does he convince the Twins to play ball and absorb a chunk of Correa’s salary?

These are questions without easy answers. But one thing is crystal clear: Pete Caldera, one of the best in the business, doesn’t throw darts at a board. His insights are measured, thoughtful, and often prophetic. If he’s talking Correa-to-the-Yankees, it’s not just idle chatter—it’s a storyline with legs, maybe even wings.

So here we are, paying attention, hanging on every word. Do the Yankees need Carlos Correa? Maybe. Do they need the financial strain his contract brings? Maybe not. But if Pete Caldera says this is a possibility worth considering, you can bet it’s worth every bit of your attention. I really believe that.

Read more about Pete Caldera:

NO ONE DOES THE YANKEES BETTER THAN PETE CALDERA

GLEYBER TORRES: THE BEARDED ERA

Ladies and gentlemen, Gleyber Torres has entered his bearded era, and honestly, it’s a vibe. Now that he’s out of the Yankees’ clean-shaven clutches, Torres is rocking an impressive beard that screams, “I’m free, and I’m fabulous.” Say goodbye to the baby-faced Bronx Bomber and hello to the rugged, reinvented Tiger.

Here he is now:

With the facial rule gone, Greyber Torres can now rock an impressive beard. pic.twitter.com/OnTXyLZnqB

— Rogelio Castillo (@rogcastbaseball) December 28, 2024

Well, well, well.

Let’s rewind to when Gleyber first burst onto the Yankees’ scene. He was the golden boy, the prodigy, the guy you just knew would deliver in the clutch. And boy, did he deliver—especially in the postseason, where he had an uncanny ability to get on base like it was his job (because, well, it was).

But fast forward to this offseason, and it felt like the Gleyber love was fading. Was I the only one pounding the table and yelling, “KEEP THIS MAN”? Apparently so. The Yankees had other plans, and Gleyber’s grand farewell included a Game 4 home run in the World Series—a mic drop moment for the only MLB team he’d ever known.

Now, he’s off to Detroit, where the beard is thriving, and so is the vibe. Speaking to Detroit media, Torres said, “I feel like I have to play where somebody wants to give the best for me, and I just want to be available to do the best for the team.” Translation: “If you’re cool with the beard, I’m cool with you.”

Apparently, Gio Urshela hyped Detroit to him like a real estate agent trying to sell a fixer-upper: “Great history, lovely parks, you’ll love it here!” Torres is slotted to stick at second base, with Colt Keith sliding to first and Alex Bregman potentially joining the Tigers’ infield party.

But let’s get to the real star of this story—the beard. For decades, the Yankees have been facial-hair police, enforcing a strict “no beards allowed” policy like it was their primary mission in life. Credit George Steinbrenner for starting this nonsense back in 1976, and somehow, the rule stuck for nearly half a century. Players literally had to shave their identities at the door.

Now in Detroit, Gleyber is letting it grow, and honestly, he’s glowing. Will this newfound follicular freedom help him play better? Maybe! Will it make him look cooler while doing it? Absolutely.

Whatever the case, I’m rooting for Torres to thrive, beard and all. May he hit bombs, turn double plays, and prove that a little facial hair can go a long way in redefining a career. 

Go get ’em, Gleyber—you’ve earned it!

THEY CALL HIM "NO-GO" NOLAN

Actually. I call him that.

Our New York Yankees and their endless quest to dominate baseball headlines this offseason, gotta love it. This time, the chatter continues around Nolan Arenado. Now some Yankees fans have been daydreaming about Arenado donning the iconic pinstripes, striding into Yankee Stadium like the hero Gotham deserves. But here’s the kicker: this is starting to look more like a rom-com where the couple never actually gets together.

Let’s rewind to December, The Athletic’s Katie Woo spilled some tea, saying the Yankees had their eyes on Arenado. That little nugget of info sent the rumor mill spinning faster than a Giancarlo Stanton strikeout (sorry, had to although he owned the post season). Things got even juicier when the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt—Arenado’s buddy and Cardinal's teammate for the past four seasons—to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. Cue the speculation: “If Goldy’s here, why not Arenado?” It was almost too perfect, like a baseball version of peanut butter and jelly.

But as much as some Yankees fans love a good blockbuster, reality bites. Multiple league sources have made it clear that while the Yankees appreciate Arenado’s talent, they’re not exactly lining up to take on the majority of his massive contract. And honestly, can you blame them? Sure, Arenado is still a wizard with the glove, but at 33, he’s not exactly the offensive juggernaut he once was. Those numbers in St. Louis? Let’s just say they’re more “meh” than MVP.

Now, let’s talk logistics. Even if Arenado came to New York, the Yankees don’t need him like they need, say, a magic potion to fix their injury woes. DJ LeMahieu can handle third base just fine. Yes, I know DJ hasn’t been the golden boy lately, but let’s not forget he’s a Swiss Army knife in cleats. Slot him at third, mix in that shiny offseason roster, and the Yankees are looking pretty good.

And let’s be honest: do the Yankees really need another massive contract weighing them down? The last thing they need is to repeat the mistakes of the past (hello, Jacoby Ellsbury, we haven’t forgotten). This franchise is supposed to be smarter, savvier, and, well, more financially selective these days.

So, after reading every report and wild fan theory, it looks like the Yankees are swiping left on Arenado. And you know what? I’m okay with that. Not every big name needs to end up in the Bronx. Sometimes, the best move is staying the course, letting the guys you’ve got do their thing, and avoiding yet another financial albatross.

Sorry, Arenado fans. This love story isn’t meant to be. But hey, there’s always next offseason for Yankees fans to dream up another big-name crush. 

Let's move on now, huh?

NEW INFIELD SUGGESTION A GREAT IDEA!

Mike Axisa has been a prominent voice in the Yankee blogosphere for as long as Bleeding Yankee Blue has been around. While we don’t often give him the props he deserves, it’s time to change that—especially when he presents a sharp idea that aligns with our passion for the Yankees.

Axisa, writing for CBS Sports, recently proposed a compelling solution to the Yankees' infield woes: trading for Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Lowe. And honestly, we love it.

“To me, Lowe is the best infield trade target, and we can safely assume he’s available because the Rays will trade anyone at any time," Axisa said. "A lefty with 30-homer power and good enough defensive chops at second base would make the Yankees better.”

Lowe, a 30-year-old left-handed hitter, comes with substantial upside. In 2024, he appeared in 107 games for the Rays, posting a .244 average with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Rays have already exercised his $10.5 million club option for 2025, and he remains under team control through 2027, with an $11.5 million club option for 2026. Clearly, the Rays value him highly—but as anyone familiar with Tampa Bay knows, they’re not afraid to trade even their best players for the right return.

A trade for Lowe wouldn’t come cheap. The Yankees would need to offer a strong package of prospects, but the potential reward is enticing. A player like Lowe, who was an All-Star in 2021 with 39 home runs in 149 games, could bring much-needed power and consistency to the Yankees' lineup.

Even if the Yankees don’t pull the trigger, Brandon Lowe is a name to watch closely this winter. He checks a lot of boxes for teams looking to bolster their infield, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll stay in Tampa Bay if another club comes calling with the right offer.

Axisa may be onto something big here, and we’ll be keeping an eye on how this idea develops. Props to him for sparking this conversation—let’s see if the Yankees are bold enough to make a move.

DO THE YANKEES KNOW HOW TO PLAY MODERN DAY BASEBALL?

Source: Sports Pro

With every new year that passes following 2009, I get itchy. First, it was five years after the championship, then it was filling Derek Jeter's shoes, then it was the Houston Astros and before you know it the Yankees are here: losing the 2024 World Series in five games and even further away from 2009. This all makes me ponder on the dreadful comments that my friends share with me regularly- that in fact the Yankees are not adapting to the progressive changes to the game. So my question as we head into 2025 is this, "Do the Yankees know how to play modern day baseball?"

Going back to the backchannel I have through social, text messages and in person conversations, the Yankees appear to rely on getting the big talent and hope that it all works. Some believe that they are lucky they have gotten as far as they have with the big bats that load up their lineup. Others think that the Yankees can't home grow good talent themselves, so they have to rely on other teams to do it for them. I think there is merit to some of this commentary. 

George Steinbrenner often bought his way to championships, adding fixtures, spending money and bringing in the big talent. But with that big talent, he cleverly built in insurance policies with other players who could become big players by just being a Yankee. This was a testament to who the Yankees were and how they commanded attention, often dominating other small market teams with their fanfare and of course their 27 championships. But as we move further away from that 27th championship, now 16 years ago come this spring training, the command the Yankees once had, is disappearing just like Blockbuster, Radio Shack, and analog phones. 

Modern day baseball is more about building talent, building culture and competing with players who not only have baseball acumen but prioritize it. They prioritize their full time jobs instead of all the side hustles. They prioritize winning and laying a foundation, instead of their big pay day that they think they have earned when free agency comes along.

Then there are the numbers, the statistics and records. Data analytics have a place, but if you don't work on the baseball fundamentals, balance, mental wellness, nutrition and leadership, you don't win. You don't even come close. Big bats have a place, but that can't be all of your lineup. You need diversity, defense and drive. The teams that win, have that. The teams that win, bring that year after year. Those were the Yankee teams of the 2000s but they are not the teams of the 2020s. 

I would love for the Yankees to reflect on all of this. I would love for the Yankees to pivot and adjust to modern day baseball, which is holistic in nature. That baseball brings together multiple components of playing baseball, not just home runs and velocity, but other durable skills that often get overlooked for batting and earned run averages. My wish for the new year is that Yankees learn how to play in this new era of baseball instead of relying on the days of the past. It was different back then. You can remember those days and celebrate them, but you have to rely on what matters now and get that into your players minds and hearts. Then you can win championship 28. Happy New Year, All!

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