ALEX VERDUGO MAY GET HIS SHOT

What an incredible turn of events for Alex Verdugo! The Atlanta Braves just got hit with some unexpected news—outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Major League Baseball made the official announcement, with reporter Mike Rodriguez breaking the initial story that Profar’s positive test would lead to a lengthy suspension. 

Profar had just signed a hefty three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta, but now he’s set to miss half of the 2025 season due to his use of hCG, a testosterone-boosting substance.

While this is certainly a major shake-up for the Braves, it could turn out to be an incredible opportunity for none other than Alex Verdugo! The former Yankees outfielder, who played a pivotal role in New York’s run to the 2024 World Series, was surprisingly left on the free-agent market far longer than expected. But the Braves saw his potential and scooped him up on March 20th with a minor-league deal worth $1.5 million.

Now, with Profar out of the lineup, Verdugo could be on the fast track to a starting role in Atlanta! According to Athlon Sports, "Verdugo was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett following his signing, but may get a call up to the big leagues in the wake of this announcement." That prediction is looking more and more likely by the minute!

Verdugo brings solid defense, a fiery competitive spirit, and the kind of postseason experience that can make a real impact for a team aiming for another deep playoff run. His journey has been full of surprises, but this twist could be the perfect setup for him to shine on baseball’s biggest stage once again.

Stay tuned, because this Braves outfield situation just got a whole lot more interesting—and Alex Verdugo might just be the one to benefit the most!

YANKEES GET THEIR BIG SPRING GUY BACK FOR A MINOR LEAGUE DEAL

Oh, Dom Smith is back! And honestly, I couldn’t be happier. 

The guy had a fantastic spring, and while it’s a bummer he didn’t break camp with the big-league squad, there’s no doubt he’ll contribute at some point this season.

For those who might’ve lost track of him, Dominic Smith was once a top prospect with the Mets before bouncing around with the Nationals, Red Sox, and Reds. Looking to reignite his career, he signed with the Yankees this spring and absolutely mashed—smacking three homers, driving in 12 runs, and hitting .297. Despite that strong showing, he didn’t make the Opening Day roster and opted out of his deal. But now? He’s back in the organization, and if an opportunity opens up, don’t be surprised if he gets his shot in the Bronx.

Welcome back, Dom.

THE DODGERS ARE IN BOONE'S HEAD AND THAT'S SAD

Aaron Boone is obsessed. 

The man just can’t let it go. Instead of focusing on how his Yankees flopped in the World Series, he’s out here whining about the Dodgers having the audacity—the absolute gall!—to talk a little trash after winning the World Series. Buddy, they won. You didn’t. Move on.

Boone recently appeared on Fox Sports’ Breakfast Ball and, in true "no championships" skipper fashion, made it clear that the Dodgers' victory still haunts him like a bad dream:

Yankees manager Aaron Boone called the Dodgers' trash talk after winning the World Series "annoying." 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pxu7wMYJD3

— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) March 26, 2025

"We kind of looked at it as they beat us and we didn’t play our best. So that’s their right to say whatever they want. I think it’s annoying, I’ll say that. I think it annoyed some guys. But at the end of the day, if we want to not hear it, we’ve got to play better and be the team standing."

Boone, seriously? This is the energy you’re bringing? The "we didn’t play our best" excuse? That’s weak. That’s like blaming a failed test on the pen you used instead of admitting you didn’t study. You lost. And not just any loss—an emphatic, definitive, "pack your bags and go home" kind of loss. But sure, let’s focus on how annoying the Dodgers are for, you know, pointing out the obvious.

This level of fixation reminds me of another New York baseball figure who just couldn’t help but obsess over a rival: Steve Cohen. The Mets owner spent years obsessed with the Yankees, acting like they lived rent-free in his head. And what did he do? He tried to make a statement by throwing an obscene amount of money at Juan Soto, a move destined to implode. Just like Cohen couldn’t stand the Yankees overshadowing the Mets, Boone now can’t handle the Dodgers rubbing a well-earned championship in his face.

The problem here isn’t the Dodgers talking. The problem is Boone can’t get past it. A strong leader would take it on the chin, get back to work, and come back stronger. Boone? He’s playing the role of the guy who just got dumped and keeps texting his ex about how annoying she is for being happy. It’s not a good look.

So, Boone, here’s some advice: Instead of letting the Dodgers’ words live rent-free in YOUR head, maybe put that energy into, I don’t know, actually winning something? Because right now, the only thing more embarrassing than the Yankees’ recent performances is their manager sounding like a sore loser on national radio.

But hey, if nothing else, at least Boone’s keeping the tradition alive—another year, another excuse, another offseason of pretending that "we didn’t play our best" means something. Carry on, skip. We’ll check back in when the Yankees actually matter again.

THE YANKEES HAVE A BIG PROBLEM IN THE INFIELD!

I know everyone is buzzing over the Home Run derby we saw in Saturday's game. I admit, that was a lot of fun to watch. It was nice to see, and a nice reminder that this team can hit but it's not my big takeaway from the weekend. We need to hit but the defense is equally important and that was a huge miss.

It's a reminder for me, honestly. I am having horrible World Series flashbacks. The Yankees big defensive concerns from 2024 were on display again, in the second game of a long season. The Yankees committed 5 errors Saturday leaving a sour reminder for me despite a 20 run offensive onslaught. What a sour note in an otherwise exciting game.

I've had some people tell me "calm down, the Yankees won a baseball game with a football score. Enjoy it." It's hard to enjoy watching when Jazz Chisholm, Max Fried and Anthony Volpe each made an error and then Pablo Reyes made TWO at the hot corner. This is a problem.

Now we see how not having a solid third baseman could be the downfall of this team. I thought we could manage at least for a while, maybe trade deadline even but if this isn't just first time jitters with his new team we are screwed. This is the reminder that not having a solid third baseman could be a big weakness for us and Brian Cashman better be trying to work the phones and look for other guys placed on waivers....because I don't think Reyes is gonna work out.

Cashman has a history of going dumpster diving and looking for that guy who is going to be lightening in the bottle and surprise us all. The problem is, it fails more often then not. We all knew DJ LeMahieu wasn't gonna work out, but instead of reinforcing the roster which meant spending more money....we get Reyes because the Yankees don't wanna spend more right now. 

Looking back at Saturday, it didn't make sense for Aaron Boone to use Reyes here. Fried is a soft contact, groundball pitcher and the Yankees needed their best glove regardless of offensive production, and in no scenario of bench guys would that be Reyes. The Yankees don't have an ideal guy here, we all know this but I wouldn't have chosen Reyes there.

I know it is only one game, and I really hope I am wrong, but I don't think Reyes is the answer at the hot corner.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

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DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE 9 HOMERS. ERRORS WILL KILL A FRANCHISE.

MAYBE THE YANKEES ARE REALLY GOOD HITTERS?

God forbid the Yankees start the season on a tear without the baseball world losing its mind. We all knew they had a powerhouse lineup—no surprises there. But now, instead of tipping their caps, people are blaming their success on the new torpedo bats. Suddenly, it’s not talent; it’s “suspicious.” And of course, the cries for an “investigation” have begun.

The Yankees are loving their new bats. The Brewers? Not so much. Trevor Megill didn’t even pitch against the Yankees on Thursday, but that didn’t stop him from chiming in.

“I think it’s terrible,” Megill told the New York Post. “We’ll see what the data says. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I feel like it’s something used in slo-pitch softball. It’s genius: Put the mass all in one spot. It might be bush [league]. It might not be. But it’s the Yankees, so they’ll let it slide.”

Wait—what’s “terrible,” exactly? That the Yankees can hit? Last I checked, crushing baseballs isn’t a crime. The Sporting News even cleared up the legality debate:

“Are torpedo bats legal? Yes, despite fans — and opposing pitchers — wanting to call out the Yankees for cheating, the bats are perfectly legal. All bats are checked before games, and the New York bats passed inspection. Even with the particular styling of the logos, the bats are within the size requirements from MLB. Now, the league could see how the Yankees obliterated the baseball against the Brewers and pass new legislation, but for now, they are legal.”

That should be the end of it. Keep playing. The Yankees are absolutely mashing right now, and if you’ve watched this team long enough, you know they’ll cool off. Right now, it’s just adrenaline and momentum. Why can’t baseball fans just enjoy the show? It’s a great story—not because of some grand cheating scandal, but because the Yankees are locked in at the plate.

Even Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins has checked out a torpedo bat, though he hasn’t swung one himself. He told The Baltimore Banner that the concept was introduced to the Orioles’ clubhouse this spring. “Mullins said the modification is ‘very legal,’ and a Major League Baseball spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic he is correct.”

MLB’s own rulebook backs it up:

Rule 3.02: “The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.”

So where do I stand on this? Simple. People love to hate the Yankees. When they struggle, nobody cares. When they dominate? It’s a conspiracy. At the end of the day, the Yankees have an elite lineup—whether they’re swinging torpedo bats or regular ones. If the league changes the rules down the line, fine, let’s talk then. But until that happens? Everyone else can cry about it while New York keeps raking.

DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE 9 HOMERS. ERRORS WILL KILL A FRANCHISE.

Do you honestly think the Yankees can sustain the error bug all year? I mean think about it, he same thing that caved the Yankees in the World Series came back yesterday in a March game where, sure, they won and everyone is in awe of their home run game, but they committed 5 errors? And don't think it's getting lost on me.  Even Kevin Kernan who is a super in tune guy when it comes to baseball knows what's happening too.

It's bad.  Look, hitting wise? The team looked good, but errors will tax a team. The Yankees put on a defensive clinic on Saturday—just not the kind you want to show little leaguers. Five errors in a single game blows. That’s not baseball; that’s slapstick comedy. If the ghosts of Yankees past were watching, they probably covered their eyes.

Now, let’s give credit where it's due: Aaron Judge remains an absolute menace with a bat in his hands. The guy smacked his way into history, racking up 16 total bases in just two games—something no other player has done in a century. If baseball were just about hitting home runs, the Yankees would be unstoppable. But, unfortunately for them, the sport also requires catching, throwing, and generally not looking like a bunch of beer leaguers in the field.

Max Fried, making his Yankees debut, had his start cut short because of all the extra pitches he had to throw thanks to his new teammates’ generosity. Four unearned runs later, Fried probably wished he had stayed in Atlanta. According to ESPN, the Yankees are now just the second team in 50 years to both score 20 runs and make five errors in the same game. That’s a record no team wants.

And yet, Aaron Boone doesn’t seem all that concerned. “Obviously, we didn’t catch the ball great,” he said. Ah yes, keen observation, Skip. Maybe Boone’s been watching too many home run highlights and forgetting that errors change games—just ask the 2024 Yankees, whose defensive meltdowns played a starring role in their World Series collapse against the Dodgers.

Fast forward to March 2025, and nothing has changed. Five errors in Game 2 of the season? That’s embarrassing. And before anyone says, “It’s just one game,” let’s not forget that these mistakes tend to snowball. If you keep playing defense like a bunch of toddlers on a sugar rush, it’s going to cost you. The Yankees can’t just rely on Judge to smash their problems away every night—eventually, reality (and competent fielding from other teams) will catch up with them.

Of course, the media isn’t making much of this, because 20-run games and moonshot home runs grab the headlines. 

But don’t be fooled—errors are a ticking time bomb. If the Yankees don’t clean up their act, all the fireworks in the world won’t save them when it really matters.

JAKE COUSINS MOVING TO A LONGER RECOVERY

Geez, what else is new?

The Yankees are dealing with a brutal wave of injuries, and if this trend keeps up, it won’t matter one bit that they’re leading the division at the end of April. A team can only handle so much wear and tear before the cracks start to show. Right now, the Yankees’ injured list is starting to look like a waiting room at an urgent care clinic. Something’s got to give because this isn’t sustainable.

The latest setback? Right-hander Jake Cousins is headed to the 60-day IL with a right elbow flexor strain, sidelining him for at least two months. That’s a tough pill to swallow. Cousins was a crucial weapon out of the bullpen last season, delivering a stellar 2.37 ERA over 38 innings and striking out 53 batters. Losing him sucks, especially considering how dominant he was when healthy.

Originally, Cousins was shut down in February with a forearm strain, and now that it’s officially diagnosed as a flexor strain, his recovery timeline is up in the air. These kinds of injuries are unpredictable—sometimes they heal on schedule, and other times they linger like a bad habit. Either way, the Yankees will have to navigate the early part of the season without one of their most reliable relief arms.

But let’s be honest here—this injury plague isn’t new. A while back, I pointed out how concerning the Yankees’ injury list was, and guess what? It’s only gotten worse, read HERE. Back then, it was alarming. Now? It’s downright ridiculous. You’d think they were holding spring training on concrete the way guys are dropping like flies. Something is seriously wrong. Is it the medical staff? The training methods? A cursed workout playlist? Whatever it is, it’s costing the team dearly.

At this rate, it feels like the Yankees need a full-time team of doctors more than a bullpen coach. If this pattern doesn’t change, it won’t matter how talented this roster is—because they’ll all be watching from the dugout in street clothes. The front office needs to get to the bottom of this injury epidemic before the season turns into a battle of attrition. Because right now? This blows.

SPENCER JONES & HIS DEVELOPMENT SEASON WILL ONLY HELP HIM

Spencer Jones is set to begin the season in Double-A, and let’s not hit the panic button—it’s all part of the plan. The Yankees are playing it smart with one of their top prospects, making sure he polishes his game before moving up the ranks.

Last season in Double-A, Jones put up solid numbers: 17 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and plenty of excitement. But here’s the catch—he strikes out. A lot. The Yankees know this and are hoping to get him on track before sending him to Triple-A and, eventually, the Bronx. If he figures things out quickly, a summer call-up isn’t out of the question. If not, keep an eye on him for a September debut.

Here’s what Yankee news had to say about the decision:

“There is a reason why the Yankees are being conservative with Jones: they see his 36.8 percent strikeout rate in Double-A last year and the ugly 44.4 percent mark he had in spring training, and there is no way it translates to sustainable success in the highest level of minor league baseball.

Yes, Jones hits the ball hard and that helps his batting average and power numbers, but if Double-A pitchers can strike him out more than a third of the time, imagine what Triple-A and MLB hurlers will do to him.

Jones’ package of tools is tantalizing, and there is no denying his vast potential.

To realize it, however, he needs to make consistent contact or at least not strike out at alarming levels.”

That about sums it up. Jones is the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, loaded with potential, but his sky-high strikeout rate is a major red flag. Sometimes it feels like the organization isn’t quite sure where they stand on him—one minute he’s a future star, the next he’s a project. But the best move is to stay patient and committed to his development. If they can cut down those strikeouts, his natural talent will take care of the rest.

Double-A is where he needs to be right now, and if things click, Yankee Stadium isn’t far off. I’d bet we see him in pinstripes before the season’s over. Keep an eye on him—this could get interesting.

BELLINGER HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT HOW HE FEELS WITH THE YANKS

There’s something incredibly refreshing about seeing Cody Bellinger in pinstripes. He’s a fantastic player, and his arrival in New York brings a level of energy and excitement that’s hard to ignore. Adding to the magic, his father once played for the Yankees, making this moment even more special.

Bellinger opened up about his nerves leading up to his Yankees debut, offering an honest glimpse into his emotions. In a postgame interview, he appeared more animated than usual, reflecting on what it meant to step onto the field for Opening Day.

“Crazy emotions, honestly,” Bellinger shared. “Just so excited, so many nerves, a lot of butterflies. But at the end of the day, you need to embrace them, understand this cool experience. We came out with a W, and that’s the most important thing.”

"Full of crazy emotions...so excited, so many nerves"

Cody Bellinger on his Yankees debut: pic.twitter.com/xqOXxxnJmS

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) March 27, 2025

The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs during the offseason in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Now, with the Cubs designating Poteet for assignment before the start of the season, the trade is looking like a clear win for New York.

If Bellinger can tap into his MVP-caliber form, this move could be a game-changer for the Yankees. Here’s to hoping he thrives in the Bronx and delivers a season to remember.

BOOMER GOES OFF ON JUAN SOTO!

Juan Soto is not a five-tool player. There, I said it. And frankly, it needed to be said—so thank you, Boomer Esiason, for doing the Lord’s work and calling it like it is. 

Sure, Soto can hit home runs and might even be a clubhouse presence (if we’re being generous), but let’s not kid ourselves: he can’t run, he can’t field, and dare I say... he’s out for himself.

That’s why it was so refreshing to hear Boomer take him to task on the radio after that embarrassing first-game strikeout. If you’re getting paid close to $800 million to play baseball, you better show up like an all-time great. Instead, Soto stepped up to the plate against his old buddy Josh Hader, assumed a fastball was coming (because, well, thinking ahead isn’t really his thing), and got absolutely fooled by a slider. The look on his face? Priceless. And Boomer? He had a field day with it.

Boomer says Juan Soto is not a "needle mover," and the Mets "way overpaid" 😳@WFANmornings pic.twitter.com/q8W6bz6mpG

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) March 28, 2025

Boomer didn’t just criticize—he buried Soto, calling him “not a needle mover” and flat-out saying the Mets “way overpaid.” And you know what? He’s right. A “needle mover” is a guy who electrifies the game, a guy who fans line up to see. You know who fits that description? Aaron Judge. Shohei Ohtani. Paul Skenes. You know who doesn’t? Juan Soto. He’s a great hitter, but $765 million great? Please.

Boomer laid it out plain and simple: when you sign that kind of contract, you put yourself under the brightest spotlight imaginable. Now, every swing, every defensive blunder, every lazy jog to first will be scrutinized. And Mets fans? They’ll turn on him in a heartbeat. Steve Cohen thought he was making a power move by throwing ridiculous money at Soto, but what he actually did was lock his team into a disastrous deal. The Mets are a big-market team with an even bigger microscope, and Soto is not built for that kind of pressure.

Let’s be honest—he took that deal because other teams were bidding, not because he’s worth it. Boomer even compared him to Ohtani, who literally has networks creating special broadcasts just for his at-bats. Nobody is tuning in just to watch Soto walk to the plate. The Mets didn’t just overpay; they set themselves up for an inevitable disappointment.

Here’s the reality: not all big-money contracts work out. Players get complacent. Players age. And Soto? He’s going to decline, and it’s going to be painful to watch. Homers will come, sure. But a five-tool player? Not even close. And let’s be real—no player, not even a true five-tool guy, deserves an $800 million contract. But especially not Juan Soto.

Boomer was right, and Mets fans better brace themselves. The clock is already ticking.

"LUIS ROBERT TO THE YANKEES" APPEARS VERY REAL

The never-ending Giancarlo Stanton saga continues to dominate sports media, and frankly, it’s exhausting. Every day brings a new rumor, a fresh speculation, or yet another bold claim that the Yankees "NEED" a right-handed bat. It must be true, right? After all, Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo—both lefties—have been available, yet the Yankees haven’t doubled back on that market.

And now, the latest name tossed into the rumor mill? Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is working the phones, exploring trade options to bolster the roster ahead of the 2025 season. AIBat fuels the speculation, stating, "Is Luis Robert on the New York Yankees' radar? It sure looks like it! The Yankees are considering adding a right-handed power hitter to their starting lineup."

Robert, while not actively demanding a trade, is well aware that his time with the White Sox could be coming to an end. Stuck in a brutal rebuild after a disastrous 121-loss season, Chicago seems poised to move its most valuable assets.

“From the business perspective, yes, I know there is a big chance of me being traded because it makes sense for the team and for the situation,” Robert told MLB.com. “I understand that. That’s something I have to live with and I will have to accept.”

Athlon Sports adds to the conversation, noting, "It’s probably not a great sign that Robert admitted he expected the White Sox to trade him. Then again, sportsbooks widely believe the White Sox will lose over 100 games again, so any positives on the South Side are few and far between."

So, is this actually happening? Is Luis Robert destined for pinstripes, or is this just another week of speculation leading to nothing? With Opening Day here, the Yankees are on the clock—if something’s brewing, when will it happen? Or are we just bracing for another round of empty noise? Stay tuned.

WHY DID THE YANKEES WALK AWAY FROM ALEX VERDUGO?

Well, I am gonna bet free agency was a stressful and humbling experience for Alex Verdugo. It can't be easy going from an American League championship team to a minor leaguer. I also wouldn't be surprised if he's aware of what is being reported out there because it doesn't paint the prettiest of pictures.

There are several sources talking about this story, but you can check out one of them HERE. As several have cited, teams were concerned with Verdugo's off field issues including the Yankees. Over the winter we wrote a few pieces, shocked that he didn't have more interest. Sure, he struggled especially in the second half of the season but he was well liked in the clubhouse and was a great defender. Anthony Volpe described him as a "ride or die" and Giancarlo Stanton raved about him and called him an "incredible dude." Aaron Judge also sang his praises. He fit in well with the team....but apparently didn't impress Yankee brass enough to bring him back.

Even Aaron Boone at least pretended to be shocked by it when he gave words of support for Verdugo, read more HERE. I loved his glove for sure, even though his bat frustrated me. Considering what the Braves signed him for, it was a no-brainer financial commitment. "The Braves got a really good player for not a lot of money," Boone said and I can't say he's entirely wrong for once.

But apparently, enough teams were concerned enough to not pay $1.5 million even on a minor league deal. Verdugo is not a big leaguer now, and maybe this will be a wake-up call to help get him back to show. There are a lot of rumors out there, and the only ones I like to talk about are free agent ones so this one doesn't excite me enough to go into details on the why's.

It does make me think about the bigger picture though. The three big name teams all walked away from him. In his minor league days, the Dodgers walked away from him, then Alex Cora had a strained relationship with him in 2023 after Verdugo's tardiness on game days. He was benched and eventually led the Red Sox to trade him to the Yankees before the 2024 season and now he's got a minor league gig. Three of the top organizations in baseball decided to move on to other players. The Yankees could've easily brought Verdugo back after Juan Soto split... but they didn't.

Which makes me wonder if there was also more to the story about Verdugo and his chains. The Yankees told him to cut it down from several to one. It felt like Boone half-jokingly told that story last season, but it doesn't paint a good picture now. I've seen people online jump to their own conclusions that Verdugo was more interested in his jewelry than playing baseball, which made the Yankees walk away after he didn't meet offensive expectations.

So many rumors out there with not a lot of facts (as usual) which leads everyone to jump to their own conclusions. Here's a real fact though, Verdugo has another chance with another top organization and honestly, I hope he makes the most of it. The Yankees are a disaster right now....and his own teammates wanted him back. Apparently, that wasn't worth enough to give him what the Braves did....which is strange.

Good luck in Atlanta, Verdugo.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

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RIZZO & VERDUGO GET BIG TIME SUPPORT!

THE SAD STORY OF ALEX VERDUGO

THE YANKEES ARE ATTEMPTING TO STRENGTHEN THEIR PITCHING

The Yankees are heading into the season with serious pitching concerns, struggling to piece together a reliable rotation. To address their depth issues, they've added another arm to the mix. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the team has signed right-hander Jake Woodford to a minor league deal.

Woodford, a former top prospect with the St. Louis Cardinals, will begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he’ll serve either as a starter or a long reliever. A former top-40 draft pick, Woodford pitched for the Cardinals from 2020 to 2023 before brief stints with the Pirates and White Sox last year. At this point, the Yankees are in full-on arm-hoarding mode, bringing in as much pitching depth as possible to cover their glaring weaknesses. 

With so many question marks surrounding their staff, taking a chance on arms like Woodford makes sense. Whether he sticks or not remains to be seen, but the Yankees need all the help they can get. 

Welcome aboard, Jake!

THIS GIANCARLO STANTON INJURY NOW FEELS WORSE

At this point, it feels like a broken record—another season, another wave of injuries for the New York Yankees. It's frustrating to watch key players go down, but the team has no choice but to adapt. Captain Aaron Judge has emphasized how younger players are stepping up, which is expected. When veterans are sidelined, the next man in line gets his shot. That’s the nature of the game.

However, one injury in particular stands out—Giancarlo Stanton’s. The slugger’s battle with bilateral elbow tendonitis is both unusual and concerning. For an athlete of his caliber, dealing with an injury like this in both arms raises some serious questions. And let’s be real—the Yankees aren’t exactly known for transparency when it comes to injuries. My opinion of course.

To make matters worse, there’s no clear timetable for Stanton’s return. He’s been receiving PRP injections for about a month now, ever since it was revealed during spring training that he was dealing with the issue. But as I previously pointed out in an article called UNDERSTANDING GIANCARLO STANTON'S ELBOWS on BYB, these treatments don’t always deliver the desired results.

Greg Joyce of The New York Post recently reported:

"Indications are the shots have helped to an extent, but have not been a cure-all, as Stanton has not resumed baseball activities and remains out indefinitely. He was headed back to New York with the team on Tuesday and will continue his treatment there."

With Opening Day approaching, it’s all but certain that Stanton will begin the season on the injured list. And given the fact that he hasn’t even resumed baseball activities, it wouldn’t be shocking if he ends up on the 60-day IL. The Yankees’ handling of injuries has often left fans feeling like they’re being strung along, so this wouldn’t be a surprise.

At this point, the best-case scenario is that Jasson Domínguez and Ben Rice have a monster spring and make Stanton’s absence less painful. The constant injury updates are exhausting, but unfortunately, this is the reality Yankees fans have come to expect.

Damn.

A "ROYCE LEWIS TO THE YANKEES" JUST CAME OUT OF NO WHERE

You gotta leave it to Jim Bowden, he sure does keep us all on our toes. 

The former MLB exec turned analyst never fails to bring the chaos, and honestly, baseball is better for it. His latest masterpiece? A trade proposal that would send Twins third baseman Royce Lewis to the Yankees in exchange for a few guys, including the one and only Oswald Peraza.

Now, let’s just state for the record: this prediction is a bunch of bunk. And that’s totally fine! Bowden’s wild ideas keep the baseball world buzzing, and we all need something to debate besides whether the Yankees should have a beard policy in 2025.

But this trade? It’s just not it.

Look, I like Peraza. I really do. But the writing is on the wall—there’s just no room for him. He’s been leapfrogged on the Yankees’ depth chart by the mighty Pablo Reyes, who, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, is likely to snag the Opening Day roster spot Peraza was hoping for. And Reyes has earned it, slashing .326/.434/.488 this spring while showing versatility all over the field. Meanwhile, Peraza, out of minor-league options, is suddenly the odd man out.

So, sure, trading Peraza makes sense. But for Royce Lewis? Really? If the Yankees are moving a young talent like Peraza, it should be for pitching—something the team desperately needs. Why would they ship him off for a third baseman when Reyes just proved he’s more than capable of handling the hot corner? It’s like buying another car when your house is on fire—probably not the best use of resources.

And that brings us back to Bowden. Jim, you delightful chaos agent, what are we doing here? Do we appreciate your enthusiasm for stirring the pot? Absolutely. But this one’s a hard pass. The Yankees don’t need to make this deal, and unless the Twins are in the business of handing out young stars for pennies on the dollar, they don’t either.

That being said, keep the takes coming, Jim. Baseball wouldn’t be the same without them.

CAUSE OF DEATH FOR BRETT GARDNER'S SON REVEALED

Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy—one that no parent should ever have to endure. As a father of four, I cannot begin to comprehend the heartbreak Brett and Jessica Gardner are experiencing right now. The devastating news of their son Miller’s passing is something no family should ever have to face, and my heart goes out to them in this unthinkable moment.

For Yankee fans who have followed Brett Gardner over the years, I know many of you are mourning alongside the Gardner family. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be sharing specific details, but we do know that Miller tragically passed away while the family was on vacation in Costa Rica. Several relatives reportedly fell ill, and Miller passed “peacefully in his sleep” on the morning of March 21.

Authorities in Costa Rica have stated that preliminary findings suggest Miller’s death was caused by asphyxiation, potentially due to food-related intoxication. His body was discovered in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio, a well-known resort town on the country’s Pacific Coast. An official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency told NBC News that the cause was “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” though the full details remain unclear as authorities await final autopsy and toxicology results.

Brett and Jessica released a statement honoring their son’s life, saying, “Miller was a beloved son and brother, and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

This is the kind of news no one ever wants to report. Brett Gardner has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping away from baseball, and it’s deeply painful that this is how his name is now being brought back into the conversation. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a loss, but all we can do is send our deepest prayers to Brett, Jessica, and their family.

Rest in peace, Miller.

FORMER YANKEE JUST SIGNED WITH THE NEW YORK GIANTS

We don’t usually spend much time checking in on former Yankees here. I mean, I'm kind of lying... we certainly do. But as you know our main focus is me yelling into the void about the current Yankees front office and whatever disaster they’ve cooked up lately. If you’re reading this blog, you already know that. But every now and then, we like to take a little detour and see what some of our old friends are up to.

And today? Oh, today, we’ve got a good one.

Let’s talk about none other than Russell Wilson.

Yes, that Russell Wilson. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, the guy who made a name for himself tearing up defenses, and oh yeah, a former Yankee—if only briefly. If you’ve somehow erased this piece of Yankees lore from your brain, let’s take a little trip down memory lane.

Back in the spring of 2018, Wilson spent some time in Yankees camp. He was technically acquired in a deal with the Texas Rangers, and for a short, magical moment, he put on the pinstripes and took some swings with the big boys. Did it mean anything? Not really. Was it fun? Absolutely.

 

The man even took batting practice and looked like he belonged—because let’s be honest, he’s good at just about everything.

But fast forward to today, and Wilson isn’t making headlines for anything baseball-related. Nope—he’s back in the NFL news cycle, and in a big way.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wilson just inked a one-year deal with the New York Giants worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed. That’s right, Wilson is heading back to New York, but this time he’ll be suiting up in blue instead of the classic Yankee navy.

What makes this move even more poetic? The guy won a Super Bowl in MetLife Stadium when he was with the Seahawks. So, in a way, he’s coming home—just not in the way Yankees fans might have imagined.

Now, let’s talk about the state of the Giants for a second. They’ve been floundering for years, about as lost as a Daniel Jones deep ball. The Jets have been right there with them, both teams somehow managing to turn a city that thrives on greatness into a comedy of errors. But now? Now they’ve got Wilson in the mix.

Oh, and did I mention they just signed Jameis Winston too? That means the Giants’ quarterback room now includes Wilson, Winston, and Tommy DeVito. If that doesn’t scream “entertainment,” I don’t know what does. This could either be a redemption story for the ages or an absolute circus, and I’m here for it either way.

But let’s not lose sight of the important part here: Wilson, a former Yankee (kind of), is back in New York. And while he won’t be hitting dingers in the Bronx anytime soon, it’s always fun to see a guy who once wore the pinstripes finding success elsewhere.

So here’s to Russell Wilson—Super Bowl champ, former Yankee, and now, the guy who might just save the Giants (or at least make them marginally more watchable).

Best of luck, Russ. We’ll be watching.

IT'S OFFICIAL! WILL WARREN IS SET TO PITCH IN THE BRONX!

It's been such an emotional roller coaster ride this Spring, and that is especially true for Will Warren. He had zero expectation of earning a starting spot in Spring Training, and then bad luck struck (because I am convinced we are cursed) and opportunity knocked on Warren's door.

And he answered. The 25-year old fifth overall prospect pitched to a 4.19 ERA over six appearances and now he will pitching in the Bronx. Aaron Boone broke the news yesterday and now Warren has to get ready for not only his first start of 2025, but it will be in the Bronx against a revamped Arizona Diamondbacks team. 

His last appearance against the Baltimore Orioles wasn't the prettiest, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against another team with high expectations this season. Warren will need to show the Yankees the pitcher from his first five appearances if he wants to keep his starting position long-term and that may not be as easy as it sounds.

Supposedly, Clarke Schmidt's injury is not serious, and the Yankees are anticipating him to be ready for big league action soon. He will his time on the disabled list to increase his stamina and build up his pitch count to around 70-80 pitches. That would be the best-case scenario that Boone believes is possible. Nothing is official, but that is the hope. The Yankees need to do whatever is best for his health and stamina long-term because we have already been sucker punched with the loss of Gerrit Cole all season and Luis Gil out until June as a best case scenario.

Even if Schmidt is back soon, if Warren impresses, he could still keep a rotation spot. We have already seen how inconsistent Marcus Stroman is. He is sitting in a number three spot right now, but that is based on his veteran status only, not based on his proven ability to help this team. The Yankees were trying to get rid of him early in spring, especially before Cole had Tommy John surgery. If he can't do his part and help this team the Yankees could still look for a way to move him....especially if another team suddenly becomes desperate.

I'm also not sold on Carlos Carrasco, who has a starting job for now, but he has had rough seasons since 2022. I think he is going to get lit up in Yankee stadium especially. He's not the pitcher he once was, and while I want to see anyone pitching for us succeed, I just don't think he will be able to hang in the Bronx. He's here now because the Yankees are desperate. The Yankees need him for now. He could easily pitch his way out of a job....which could keep Warren around.

If Warren can stay consistent and pitch, he has a shot to stick around. It won't be easy....but Stroman and Carrasco aren't exactly showstoppers, either. He gives me more hope than the others. He's also made it this far by seizing opportunity and he can do it again.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

CASHMAN'S ABOUT TO SHIP OUT PERAZA

Oswald Peraza is giving everything he has, and for that, he deserves our respect. Sure, he's stumbled, but he’s a hard-working, dependable player and—dare I say it—a better defensive shortstop than Anthony Volpe. But let’s be real, that doesn’t matter to the Yankees. Peraza doesn’t have the "face," he’s not the marketable golden boy they want, and that’s why his ticket out of town is practically stamped. How do I know? Because Brian Cashman drops breadcrumbs, and they’re the poisonous kind.

Cashman recently said Peraza is having a "good camp" in his eyes and admitted that the former top prospect is still in the mix to make the team. But then, when asked about Pablo Reyes, Cashman called the utility man the "predominant" right-handed bat. Translation: Peraza is already a number 2 guy on the depth chart, which is as good as a pink slip in this organization.

And right on cue, the Yankees trotted out the puppet of puppets, Aaron "No Championships" Boone, to reinforce the message. Boone, doing his best parrot impersonation, said of Peraza: “Struggled a little bit over the last week or two offensively after a good start [to camp] offensively. I think he’s been really good defensively. I’ve loved how he’s looked at third ... but it’s been up and down a little bit offensively."

You know who else is "up and down" offensively? Anthony Volpe. The golden boy batted .208 this spring in 17 games. Peraza? .174 in 19 games. Both are putting up Joey Gallo numbers, so what exactly is Boone’s point? At this stage, it’s a roll of the dice if we were choosing between those 2, but the Yankees have already decided who gets the benefit of the doubt. Spoiler alert: it’s not Peraza. Just like poor Dominic Smith, Peraza is spinning his wheels in a game that’s already been decided. Smith opted out, got the hell out of there... he knew the writing was on the wall. 

So, what happens now between Reyes and Peraza? The Yankees will pretend to let it play out, but the reality is, they’ve picked their guy. And it’s Reyes—I can feel it. If the final decision is between those two, Peraza is in trouble.

Look, I don’t want to prematurely ship Peraza off—he’s my guy. But much like Gleyber Torres before him, the Yankees hold certain players to a standard of perfection while letting others skate by because their minds are already made up. Reyes this Spring is the better player this is true, but Peraza has enormous heart and can get there. 

The truth? Peraza, the player with no options left, is probably gone. And when he succeeds elsewhere, just remember it didn’t have to be this way.