THAT CARLOS CORREA RUMOR IS HOT & HEAVY AGAIN

Well,well, well… Newsweek is stirring the pot again, and this time it smells like Carlos Correa sautéed in pinstripes.

According to Zach Pressnell of Newsweek, the Yankees might want to go shopping in Minnesota’s discount aisle and grab Carlos Correa to play third base. You know, because clearly what the Yankees need right now is another shortstop to not play shortstop. Pressnell says, “Correa would slot in at third base for New York, but he has the flexibility to move all around the infield…” which sounds suspiciously like code for: “Hey, if Volpe continues hitting like a pitcher, we might have to move Correa back to short.” That's what I hope at least.

Because let’s be honest—Anthony Volpe’s batting average is slowly morphing into a really bad SAT score. At this point, he’s flirting so hard with the Mendoza Line, Mario Mendoza himself might be texting, “Bro, give me some space.”

Look, Correa has a hefty contract, and yes, the Yankees might ask the Twins to eat some of it—which is fitting, because the Twins might want to eat glass rather than keep paying Correa while he figures out how to hit again. But still, if the Twins are open to subsidizing a good chunk of that monster deal, and Brian Cashman can pay in expired prospects and used chewing gum, this rumor could have legs.

Of course, third base has been the Yankees’ version of musical chairs—except the music stopped last July, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. just sat down and stayed. Now that Jazz is back at second, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza have been doing their best impression of a third base platoon… and by “best impression,” I mean they’ve been holding the position hostage without making much noise with the bat.

To be fair, they’re trying their best. But trying doesn’t always hit baseballs, just ask Volpe. So naturally, when you hear Correa’s name again, the imagination runs wild—like a little league team after free donuts. Remember when Pete Caldera dropped that juicy little nugget in NorthJersey.com a while back? He reported that the Yankees were willing to ship off three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—for Correa. Back then it sounded like pure fantasy, but Caldera doesn’t throw smoke. If he’s hearing it, there’s fire—at least the rumor kind.

We even wrote about it back then: A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP—and yes, we’re still proud of that title. It felt real then. Then it didn’t. Now it does again. Such is the life of a Yankees rumor—rising from the ashes like a Bronx phoenix in cleats.

So, is Correa coming to the Yankees? Who knows. Is he playing third? Maybe. Should he play short instead? Possibly—especially if Volpe keeps trying to reinvent the art of the non-hit. 

What we do know is that this isn’t a trade rumor to ignore. It has names. It has legs. It has Caldera and now Newsweek. Stay tuned. Hold your hats. And maybe start watching Twins games… just in case.

WHY MARCUS STROMAN'S ROLE IS UNCLEAR

Will Warren has been making a strong case for himself this spring, especially with Chase Hampton sidelined. He’s seizing the opportunity, showing that he can be a real difference-maker. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman has made it clear he wants to remain a starter, but there’s a chance that stance didn’t sit well with the Yankees.

What’s becoming more apparent is a rotation battle that wasn’t on many people’s radar. Empire Sports Media put it perfectly:

"One of the main reasons Stroman isn’t guaranteed a rotation spot is because of the emergence of Will Warren, who has been one of the Yankees’ most impressive arms this spring. After making key mechanical adjustments in the offseason, Warren has looked dominant, flashing a vastly improved sweeper and a deceptive changeup. Over three spring appearances, Warren has a 1.13 ERA, striking out some of the league’s best hitters, including Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. His fastball command has been much sharper, and he’s locating pitches at the top of the zone far more effectively than last year. He profiles as a modern starter—one with legitimate swing-and-miss potential and a diverse arsenal that keeps hitters guessing... Warren might simply be the better option."

Given Stroman’s struggles in the second half of last season and his absence in the playoffs, the Yankees may be rethinking their approach. Could Will Warren force his way into the rotation? What a story it would be! 

We’ll find out soon.

ONE YANKEE PITCHER ALREADY DOWN WITH TOMMY JOHN

Isn't it kind of funny how life works out? Not too long ago, Chase Hampton's name was tossed around as a potential trade piece in those wild Carlos Correa-to-the-Yankees rumors. (Read A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP)

Fast forward, and instead of pitching in the Bronx, he's pitching his way into Tommy John surgery. You can't make this stuff up! Greg Joyce of The New York Post reported that Hampton went under the knife Friday morning after a UCL tear was confirmed during tests in New York. He flew in on Wednesday, hoping for good news but getting the exact opposite. Now, he's sidelined for the entire 2025 season.

Hampton's journey has been a rollercoaster. In 2023, he went 4-3 with a solid 3.63 ERA over 20 starts between Class A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, racking up an impressive 145 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings. But last year was rough—he didn’t even take the mound until July 1 due to a flexor strain. When he did, he showed promise, going 0-1 with a 2.41 ERA in seven starts across three levels, with 16 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings.

The baseball gods sure have a twisted sense of humor. One minute, you're part of big-league trade chatter; the next, you're updating your Netflix queue for a year-long recovery.

YANKEE INJURY POTPOURRI

What in the world is going on with the Yankees and injuries this spring? It’s like a horror movie where the monster isn’t a masked slasher but rather a never-ending string of potential IL stints. And leading the charge into this disaster? None other than Aaron Boone, who continues to prove he’s as clueless as ever.

“Physicals came back clean,” Boone assured everyone with a straight face just a few days ago. And then, like clockwork, the Yankees’ Spring turned into a medical emergency room. Can we just be honest? Boone had no idea what he was talking about. He just said something to get past the question. Classic jerkoff. Honestly, he might be the worst so-called “leader” the Yankees have ever had, and that’s saying something—because let’s not forget, Stump Merrill had the 1990 Yankees running in quicksand.

And while Giancarlo Stanton’s elbows have been the topic of discussion (because of course they have), he’s far from the only one with issues. On February 19, Boone casually mentioned that Clarke Schmidt is being slowed down in camp due to a “cranky back.”

“Clarke Schmidt had a ‘cranky back’ after his last side,” Boone reported. “He came in ahead, so the Yankees have slowed him down a bit, but threw a flat side today. If he rebounds well, he’ll throw another side Friday.” That’s according to New York Post beat writer Greg Joyce on X.com.

You know what? Maybe Marcus Stroman is going to come in handy after all. Schmidt was already limited to just 16 starts last season due to shoulder fatigue, and let’s be real—his only truly healthy MLB season was in 2023. The guy is talented, but he’s not exactly a beacon of durability.

And just when Yankees fans were getting excited about Chase Hampton, the next big thing out of the farm system, the injury bug struck again. Bryan Hoch reported that Hampton has a right flexor strain and, even worse, “something going on in the UCL,” according to Boone. So now Hampton is in New York City for testing, and we all know what that usually means.

All of these setbacks come right on the heels of the Marcus Stroman drama that shook Yankees camp. But you know what? Given how this spring is shaping up, Stroman might just end up looking like one of the Yankees’ best moves. Who would’ve thought?

WE'RE GONNA END UP WITH NOLAN ARENADO, AREN'T WE?

Tuesday morning brings yet another round of buzz surrounding a potential Marcus Stroman–Nolan Arenado trade. Whether this is legitimate movement or just another dose of "clickbait fever" is anyone’s guess. One thing’s certain—it’s not disappearing anytime soon.

Yankees insider Meredith Marakovits recently appeared on MLB Network to discuss the team’s outlook for 2025. She commended general manager Brian Cashman for his adaptability, saying, “He did a great job shifting gears and bringing in players who add balance to the roster.”

Addressing the Yankees’ third base situation, Marakovits pointed out the current lack of depth: “As of now, it seems like DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera will be in the mix. But I get the feeling Brian Cashman isn’t done just yet.”

That suspicion aligns with growing speculation about a trade involving Stroman and Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. With Arenado’s former teammate, Paul Goldschmidt, already in New York, the Yankees could have an advantage in negotiations. Prospects such as Will Warren, Chase Hampton, and Roderick Arias might be used as trade assets, particularly since Arenado’s value has taken a hit amid St. Louis’ shifting plans.

Hampton and Warren were previously linked to trade discussions for Carlos Correa, though that chatter has since faded. Yet the Arenado rumors persist, indicating this could turn into a waiting game. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Brian Cashman thrives in the unexpected. The moment he utters “the marketplace” on the YES Network, chaos is inevitable. Which brings us, once again, back to—deep sigh—Nolan Arenado. The right mix of Stroman and a Warren or Hampton and yea, this could be a deal. My God.

Cashman’s latest comments? A classic bit of ambiguity:

“I don’t know how it’s going to play out... I do think we can have one of these candidates emerge or multiple guys emerge into a platoon situation at worst, or a solo shot at best. If not, there’s always the marketplace to play around with as we move forward, too.”

Translation? The Yankees still have their eyes on the veteran, Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Nolan Arenado. That's my take anyway.

Yup... here we are again.

ALL THAT CHATTER ABOUT CARLOS CORREA FOR WHAT?

Remember back in early January when the rumor mill went absolutely bananas with talk about Carlos Correa possibly landing with the Yankees? Yeah, that was wild. My source? None other than Pete Caldera, a dude who doesn’t mess around when it comes to reporting. If Caldera’s saying it, you better believe I’m paying attention.

I even wrote about it over at Bleeding Yankee Blue in a piece titled A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP. I said:

“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.”

And then? Well, life happened. The rumors cooled off in the Bronx, and I totally forgot about it. There’s just so much out there—it’s like trying to keep track of a million spinning plates.

Fast forward to now, and I get an email from Raymond, a fellow Yankees fan and BYB reader who’s clearly been holding onto this story tighter than a 3-2 slider with the game on the line. He wrote:

"How’s it going, Casey? Raymond here. I was so hyped when I heard my guy, Carlos Correa, was rumored to be heading to the Yankees. But after Pete Caldera and a few analysts started speculating trade packages, it all went radio silent. Honestly, I think Minnesota’s going to move him eventually, but I have no clue why they haven’t yet. Whenever you can give a random fan some peace of mind, I’d appreciate it."

Raymond, my guy, here’s the deal: I don’t know. I wish I had a crystal ball, but I don’t and I am sorry about that. What I do know is that ClutchPoints recently gave us a little update. According to them, there was a moment when Correa’s name popped up in Twins trade chatter, but Minnesota shut that down real quick. And Correa himself? He’s unbothered.

He’s got a full no-trade clause, loves Minnesota, and is out here saying stuff like, “I don’t worry about that, brother. I’m not on social media much. I’m with my kids all day. And I love Minnesota. I love the fishing here.”

Fishing! This man is living his best life while we’re over here spinning trade scenarios. 

So, Raymond, for now, that’s where we’re at. If I hear anything new, you’ll be the first to know. Sit tight and keep the faith, my friend.

CARLOS CORREA & THE "GUESS FACTORY" THAT IS THE OFFSEASON

In the swirling chaos of baseball’s free-agent frenzies and trade rumors, there are two types of people: those who throw darts at a board hoping something sticks and Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera—my holy trinity of rock-solid, take-it-to-the-bank baseball reporting. These guys are like the Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Yoda of sports journalism, guiding us mere mortals through the murky waters of rumor and speculation with their crystal-clear insights.

Now, I’m all for titles that sound impressive, but let’s be real: the term "baseball insider" is like calling yourself a "self-taught psychic." It’s catchy, sure, but most of the time, these "insiders" are just really, really good at guessing, but yet bad at it. If we’re being honest, we should just call them “masters of the guess” and let them keep playing their version of baseball roulette. They spin the wheel, toss out a name, and when a trade happens that vaguely resembles their prediction, they pop the champagne like they've cracked the code to the universe and if they're wrong, they fall back on "my source was wrong" and move on... or they don't say anything at all and hope no one notices. Well, I notice.

But let's get back to the real MVPs. Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera are not in the guessing game. These guys are the journalistic equivalent of seasoned chefs who won’t serve you a dish until it’s perfectly cooked and seasoned. They don’t just sprinkle half-baked rumors over your sports plate; they marinate in facts, bake them in credibility, and serve you a dish that’s ready for prime time. That, my friends, is why I trust them with my baseball soul.

So, last week, when I wrote A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP, I didn’t just trust anyone—I trusted Pete Caldera. Pete’s like that one friend who always knows where to get the best tacos, even in a city he’s never been to. He just knows. And when Caldera says the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to pry Correa from the Twins, you better believe I’m listening. That's why I made sure you all knew about it.  

In fact, in that article, I wrote, "According to Caldera’s report on NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins."  Why? Because it’s Pete Caldera, and the man doesn't mess around with garbage. His stories are like diamonds—rare, valuable, and always polished to perfection. He's gonna text me later and tell me to pump the brakes, but I'm just a fan, let's leave it at that.

But here’s where it gets funny. After Caldera’s report, suddenly everyone else wants in on the Correa trade prediction game. Enter Robbie Hyde, a name I hadn’t heard before, but apparently, he’s got some thoughts too. In a recent Sporting News story, it was reported that Hyde predicted a trade involving Clarke Schmidt, Oswaldo Cabrera, Will Warren. Hyde proposed this in a YouTube video. Yes, you read that right—a YouTube video. Now, I’m not knocking Hyde, but when it comes to breaking news, and copycat reporting, I’ll take a well-researched article over a video thumbnail with "MUST WATCH" in the header.

Now, let’s talk about Carlos Correa for a second. The man is just two years into a six-year, $200 million contract, with four vesting options totaling $75 million through 2032. The Twins might be looking to unload that hefty deal, and yes, the Yankees could be interested, especially given Correa's .905 OPS in 86 games last season. But here’s the kicker: Do the Yankees really need to do this?

With DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza already in the mix, the Yankees might just be fine without adding another high-profile name to their roster. They've got a powerhouse lineup as it is, and bringing in Correa could be more of a luxury than a necessity.

At the end of the day, while everyone else is throwing darts, I’m putting my trust in the journalists who do it right—the ones who dig deep, check their sources, and don’t publish until they’re sure they’ve got something of substance. That’s why I’m always going to side with guys like Pete Caldera. He’s my guy, and when it comes to the Carlos Correa saga or any other major baseball story, I know he’ll lead me right.

So let’s all sit back, relax, and wait for the dust to settle. Because if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the truth will eventually come out, and when it does, I’ll bet you a hot dog at Yankee Stadium that it’ll be guys like Passan, Curry, and Caldera who’ve got it right.

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

HOW DEEP IS THE YANKEES PITCHING STAFF?

I am impressed by Luis Gil every time I watch him do his work. He seemed unfazed by the long anticipated first series of the 2024 season against Boston. And he just did his job. His stuff was just beautiful, capturing his 9th win and a 2.03 ERA. 

Source: AP 

But when I look at the way Alex Verdugo performed against his former team on Friday night, I can't help but point out that the Yankees gave up three pitchers to close that deal with the former Boston outfielder. And what a deal that is turning out to be for the Yankees! Not to mention that the Yankees shipped four pitchers to San Diego for Juan Soto. And did I mention that Gerrit Cole hasn't pitched one ball for the Yankees yet this season as his team continues to soar above the AL East and the rest of baseball? The Yankees' pitching staff is deep. And we are now seeing just how far it goes.

"Cashman made headlines for blowing up at the GM meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., rather aggressively (and slightly profanely) defending himself and his staff following what he himself described as a “disaster” of a 2023 season. Then a month later, he authored perhaps the best week of a career that’s long and storied (well, it’s now been memorialized in a book, I hear). The rivals understandably don’t make many deals together. The trade of Verdugo for a middle reliever and two middle-rung (at best) minor leaguers was interesting but soon overshadowed by the move for the incomparable Soto," reported The New York Post.

Everyone thought Brian Cashman lost his mind making what seemed very risky moves. But now he appears brilliant and the Yankees continue to exude brilliance down their batting order and across their pitching staff.

I watched Cole hurl 10 strikeouts last night in Rochester as a member of the Rail Riders while Gil impressed us up in Boston. And there are many more arms in the minors with the game acumen and pitching greatness to almost make us forget about Michael King and Jhony Brito. 

Ahead of spring training, Boone said this about the trades and battery of arms in the minors, “I do feel like considering what we lost in some trades this year, I think we’re in a much better depth position that maybe I even expected,” he said. “But you know that depth is going to be challenged. We’ll find out,” reported The Athletic. No one even expected Gil to be as good as he is. And there are guys like Will Warren and Cody Poteet who we saw in Kansas City who can step up as needed as the season progresses.

And it does not end there, we have seen how good Luke Weaver has been in middle relief and there is Clayton Beeter and Chase Hampton who is on the rise as The Athletic predicted in February. Not to mention that the Yankees are getting solid starts from their current rotation behind Gil; again all of this depth and success without Cole.

It going to be an exciting few weeks as the Yankees move into the midway part of a very long season. Pitching depth and success can carry any team further than expected. Let's hope this Yankee team keeps that momentum going and the pitching continues to support the incredible run production we have seen so far this season.

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

YANKEES ARE ONE MOVE AWAY FROM COMPETITIVE CONTENTION

Source: Forbes

Earlier this week I wrote about the Yankees potential for grabbing free agent Blake Snell. You can read the piece HERE. If not Snell than who? Sure Carlos Rodon looks lean and clean. Sure Marcus Stroman has swagger. And Gerrit Cole is coming off a Cy Young high. But does the starting rotation really have what it takes to beat up on teams and contend for the World Series? I don't think so. I think they are one move away.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, "Bottom line: If the Yankees are going to make the playoffs and contend for a World Series title, it's not without adding another strong starter, and with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery left on the free-agent board and Dylan Cease of the (Chicago White Sox) still available via trade, New York must land one of them," Bowden said. That's his take. That's my take. What's Brian Cashman's take? 

Source: YES

Cashman has stated publicly that nothing is blocked as far as reaching out to agents or agents reaching out to him. "But we do like what we have here. But it’s a long season. We’re certainly not going to assume that what we have now is going to be enough. That’s why the job is always to be open,” said Cashman as reported by Patrick McAvoy for SI.com. 

The injury bug has not been kind to the Yankee pitchers over the last several seasons. And although they have strong arms in their minor league system, there is always a air of caution in bringing the youth up too soon. 

Source: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

According to The New York Post, "Will Warren and Chase Hampton threw live batting practice on a backfield with an interested crowd that included a handful of Yankees executives and coaches. “They looked really good,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Two guys we’re certainly excited about and excited that they’re in camp with us and checking that box of that experience, which is important to be around our guys. I’m excited about their progress and definitely feel like those guys have bright futures.” 

Warren could see his way to the Bronx sooner than Hampton but it would be a longshot for either of them to be on the roster come opening day. Which again begs the question, are the Yankees ready with the rotation they have now? I still think they are one move away. If the Yankees are going to contend against the Orioles who 101 games last season and continue to chip away at the pesty Blue Jays and Rays, they need more than what they have right now. 

Source: KXAN

The future looks bright with the first preseason game only one week away. Will the Yankees provide a good forecast for their upcoming season with their roster moves this off-season? Hard to say. A lot is riding on Juan Soto to perform and of course Stroman and Alex Verdugo. Maybe Warren will be ready but guaranteed one of the seasoned veterans available will be fired up to play well. It will be an interesting week ahead for the Yankees. Can't wait to see if Cashman bites the bullet and gets one more strong arm. 

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

WHAT ABOUT ANOTHER BIG ARM FROM WITHIN?

Source: NJ.com

I am tired of the big bats conversations. Yes, we need offense. Yes, we need our hitters to actually get meaningful hits, consistently. But if we don't have good starting pitching, consistently, our hitters will be overtaxed and guess what, they won't be able to keep up. So, I have had enough banter about big bats, what about getting our team another big arm for the starting rotation? And that get can be right from within?

I know there are a number of major league pitchers on the bench right now as spring training camps get ready to open. I have had my fill of discussion around Blake Snell and Trevor Bauer. But I am liking what I am hearing about Chase Hampton, who is currently pitching for the Yankees Double A team in Somerset, NJ.

Source: NJ.com

"While other pitching prospects are focused on more basic steps in their evolution, Hampton has graduated to more of an advanced education. The 22-year-old is having high-level conversations leading up to spring training, like how to create swing and miss inside of the zone, how he can use certain pitches to get hitters to expand and how can he effectively utilize his pitch mix in different counts. It all comes back to pitch execution, making tweaks to his delivery to promote consistency, health and velocity," reported NJ.com.

Hampton was invited to spring training which opens for pitchers and catchers officially on February 15th, this upcoming Thursday. "Hampton posted a 3.63 ERA in 20 starts between Hudson Valley and Somerset last season, striking out 145 batters in 106 2/3 innings. Only seven other minor-league pitchers that threw more than 100 innings in 2023 had a higher strikeout-per-nine ratio than Hampton (12.23)," reported NJ.com. 

Now if Hampton has a great spring, he could be pushed forward to Scranton and hopefully up to the Bronx by mid-season. But I know, that is a fast trajectory. But honestly, maybe, just maybe, the Yankees should consider that kind of pace of entry into the majors. I feel like they take too long to get these guys up there and if he is evaluated to be focused on his craft, I feel like a little time with another guy focused on his craft, Gerrit Cole, could be good for a guy like Hampton.

According to his pitching coach in Somerset, Brett DeGagne, “We all have super high expectations for him. The character is so high, the work ethic and things of that nature are so great that he’s a guy you root for just as much as you’re excited about him as a player. You’re excited about him as a person too and what he brings to the clubhouse.”

Behind Hampton are two other young pitchers Brock Selvidge, LHP and Zach Messinger, RHP. Messinger is 26 and according to DeGagne, "cut from the same cloth as Hampton." Could the Yankees accelerate their young pitchers into the starting rotation sooner and save the money on the back end? Let's see how Hampton does this spring and go from there. There is certainly optimism, at least from me, regarding pitching and how we are fairing. I am hopeful the Yankees can get on the right track early, and this spring sets them up well for the season ahead.

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

THE YANKEES NEED A SOLID LEFT FIELDER. THERE COULD BE A FIX

I think Aaron Hicks needs to be driven out to the deserts of Las Vegas with $20 bucks and a bottle of water and we just need to leave him there.  I remember screaming at my computer the days after the Yankees signed him to a 7-year, $70 million dollar contract.  It made no sense then and then aged horribly.  Not only can he not catch, but he also cannot play the field either.

The Yankees need a fix, and there may have one... or 2.  Our buds over at Empire Sports Media write:

"The Yankees must seek more competition in the outfield, even if it involves calling up Jake Bauers, a former top prospect excelling in Triple-A Scranton. General manager Brian Cashman might explore the trade market for solutions..."

The solution? Cody Bellinger.  Wow.

"As the Cubs are not expected to be highly competitive this year, the Yankees might be able to negotiate a trade for Bellinger...."

In return, the Yankees would send Yoendrys Gomez, Zach Messinger, and Chase Hampton to the Cubs. Gomez, a 23-year-old pitcher, has a 3.86 ERA across 16.1 innings with Double-A Somerset this year...

Messinger is currently playing in High-A with Hudson Valley, posting a 2.20 ERA across 16.1 innings....

Hampton, another right-handed pitcher, was a sixth-round draft pick in the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft. This season, he has recorded a 4.61 ERA over 13.2 innings with High-A Hudson Valley."

Sure, it's a mock trade, but it's a good idea.  But if you're asking me, Jake Bauers needs to play, but not only that, keep him there.  At this point, according to MLB Trade Rumors:

"Bauers is indeed heading to New York, Kirschner and colleague Brendan Kuty write in further detail, but his contract has not yet been formally selected. The team is waiting on the results of an MRI that Judge underwent and could keep him on the taxi squad for now, depending on the results of Judge’s imaging."

Look, it's the end of April, not October. We have some time to play around and figure out what works.  If things are terrible by the trade deadline, yeah, the idea of Bellinger probably makes better sense, especially if the Yankees are making a run.  But right now... we gotta just give the kids a shot.

Love the ideas flowing Yankee fans.  Let's turn this season around!