ALEX VERDUGO HAS FOUND HIS HOME!

Congrats to Alex Verdugo!

Alex Verdugo’s long wait in free agency is finally over, and it feels like a major win—not just for him, but for baseball as a whole in my opinion. Call me dramatic, I don't care. 

A big part of this can be credited to players like Eric Hosmer and Aaron Judge, as well as plenty of us in the sports media world, who have openly called out Major League Baseball and its owners for allowing talented players to sit on the sidelines while teams hesitate to spend.

Hosmer, in particular, was vocal about it on his podcast, emphasizing that organizations shouldn’t be too stingy to invest in quality players. That kind of advocacy seemed to help push things forward, and in the end, the Atlanta Braves made the right call by signing Verdugo. They won’t regret it.

After an offseason spent waiting for an opportunity, Verdugo has secured a deal with Atlanta—inking a $1.5 million contract that, for now, sees him heading to Triple-A. It may not be the immediate big-league return he hoped for, but it’s a chance to prove himself and earn his way back to the majors.

There’s no denying Verdugo struggled in the second half of his time with the Yankees, but he’s betting on himself now. A fresh start with the Braves could be exactly what he needs to turn things around.

And as we look ahead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Anthony Rizzo as the next veteran to find a new home. His performance dipped in New York, but he’s still a solid player who could contribute elsewhere.

For now, though, all eyes are on Verdugo as he gets a new chapter in his career. Best of luck, Alex—go make the most of it!

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RIZZO & VERDUGO GET BIG TIME SUPPORT!

RIZZO & VERDUGO GET BIG TIME SUPPORT!

Big-time athletes, the ones with real stature in the league, need to speak up. No, it’s not going to suddenly flip the market upside down, but what it will do is make big-time team owners take a step back and think, "You know what? Rizzo still has value... Verdugo can still contribute." And that’s exactly the kind of reevaluation that needs to happen.

We saw a step in the right direction when Aaron Judge spoke out about Alex Verdugo. Brendan Kuty spoke with some current Yankees about why Verdugo is still on the market, and their responses were pretty telling.

“I’m surprised,” Judge said when asked about Verdugo’s situation, per Kuty. “He’s such a great player. He brings so much value and versatility to a team.”

That was a big deal. Judge isn’t just any player—he’s the Yankees’ captain, the face of the franchise, and when he speaks, people listen. But now, former World Series champ Eric Hosmer is joining the conversation, and unlike Judge, he isn’t just surprised—he’s downright fuming.

“How are we living in a world where the everyday LF and 1B for the New York Yankees' World Series team don’t have jobs after the first MLB game of the season?” Hosmer wrote on Twitter.“Not even an offer for one of them!”

Hosmer is frustrated, and honestly, he’s got a point. Experience is supposed to mean something. Verdugo and Rizzo weren’t just guys who happened to be on a roster—they were everyday starters for a team that went deep into October. And now? Crickets.

“So then how were they everyday guys for the NEW YORK YANKEES all the way up until the World Series and then all of a sudden no opportunities to go out and get a job?”

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Verdugo made $8.7 million last season, while Rizzo was finishing off a two-year, $40 million deal with the Yankees. The team declined his $17 million option for 2025, choosing instead to pay him a $6 million buyout. And now, neither of them has a deal?

Maybe they’ll land somewhere soon. Maybe they won’t. But right now, there’s more discussion about them on social media than in MLB front offices, and that’s a problem. These guys aren’t washed; they can still contribute in different ways. Verdugo is a defensive dog, and his bat will find its way back. Rizzo? He can still launch some bombs at DH and be a steady first base option to give a starter a break. Plus, let’s not forget the leadership factor—Rizzo isn’t just a player, he’s a mentor, a veteran presence, the kind of guy who holds a clubhouse together when the season gets long and grueling.

Hosmer stepping up to support them is just as important as Judge speaking out. Why? Because Hosmer has a different kind of audience. He’s got his podcast, his social media presence, and when he speaks, people who might not normally pay attention suddenly tune in. If enough respected voices keep this conversation going, maybe—just maybe—teams will start paying attention.

Here’s my take: Rizzo and Verdugo can still play, plain and simple. And you know what? The Yankees’ reputation as a place where careers go to die is not doing them any favors. If that’s the message the Yankees are sending, it’s only going to make it harder to sign top talent in the future. Players talk. If guys think New York is where you go to have your career forgotten, that’s a serious problem for a team that prides itself on being a destination franchise.

So, credit where it’s due...  tip of the cap to Eric Hosmer. Always a stand-up guy, always willing to say what needs to be said, and clearly, not afraid to ruffle some feathers. Now let’s see if anyone in an MLB front office is actually paying attention.

"THE RUMOR SEASON IS CRAZY"... STARRING GIANCARLO STANTON!

It's the offseason, and there is no baseball fan out there that isn't dreaming up ideas about how to improve their team. I do it all of the time with my Angels fan husband. Baseball insiders also dream up ideas too, but sometimes their dreams are pretty far from reality.

Maybe you have seen Joel Sherman's recent piece, if not you can read it HERE. Nothing wrong with a little creativity, but I think some of these are a little too outside of the box. Sherman ranks the Yankees offseason priorities as re-signing DJ LeMahieu, strengthen the rotation, and look at a possible shortstop replacement so Gleyber Torres can go back to second. All good ideas but he says "BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE" the Yankees should try to trade Giancarlo Stanton even though it could be a "non-starter." HUH? Why waste time on a "non-starter" and risk missing out on LeMahieu or anything else far more realistic?

That's a crazy approach to the offseason but anyway, on to his trade proposals! 

Proposal #1: Send Stanton and a prospect to the Padres for Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers.
The Padres will be contenders moving forward, and the Padres GM likes big names (like Manny Machado) as they continue to build a championship caliber team. The Padres would actually benefit with a bit of savings if this were to happen. Myers and Hosmer will make $40 million over the next two seasons, so they would shed some payroll while the Yankees would actually add more. The Yankees are responsible for $19 million of Stanton's salary, while the Marlins pay the remaining $10 million. The Yankees are rumored to be looking to shed some payroll, not add to it.

And besides the payroll factor, it adds more complication to the Yankees roster. Hosmer adds a valuable lefty bat, but Luke Voit is a much cheaper option and still has a potent bat. Then what about Meyers? He's an outfielder and we have plenty of those. Why spend the extra money when the Yankees have cheaper options already. If the Yankees really needed an outfielder they could just bring back Brett Gardner at a much better price or sign a cheaper free agent. 

Proposal #2: Send Stanton and prospects to the Cubs for Yu Darvish, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel

I don't see why the Cubs would agree to this. The Cubs have other pitchers that are hitting free agency, and Yu Darvish is probably their best starter. If the Cubs know they are likely to lose other starters over the winter trading away a trusted asset doesn't make a lot of sense. There isn't a lot of great pitching on the market this winter, so it makes more sense to hold him and not spend money on a market that isn't as attractive.

Then there is Heyward. First, I am not a big Heyward fan. He's too inconsistent and he's all or nothing. His stats the last few seasons are a roller coaster. I'd rather the Yankees just stick with their options they already have in house, they have a lot of them. As far as Kimbrel goes, he's an expensive reliever who isn't reliable anymore. He used to be good, but those days are gone. If the Yankees needed a reliever, there are better options that cost a lot less. 

I have a hard time with this option because it really doesn't make the Cubs any better, so they have no reason to say "yes" to this trade.

I can't say that either of these options really make sense, but I like to talk baseball. I like trades, rumors and crazy ideas like these. I will read them all, even if I don't agree with them. I like Sherman's creativity, but I think he's lost his marbles with this one.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

FREAK ACCIDENT K.O.'s SALVADOR PEREZ

I've heard of some stupid accidents, but this one will no doubt hurt the Royals this season.

According to MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan, the Royals catcher got hurt, slipping while carrying his luggage and doing some damage. Check this out:

Salvy Perez slipped last night carrying his luggage and has MCL tear. Out 4-6 weeks.

— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) March 28, 2018

Wow!

What happened next from fans is pretty hilarious:

OK then.

Perez is a major piece of the Royals.  You gotta feel bad here for him and that team...except for when we play them of course.  MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"Perez’s accident may well lead to a career low in games played this season for the 27-year-old, who has been eminently durable throughout his Kansas City tenure. Since 2013, his first full season, Perez has appeared in no fewer than 129 games in any regular-season campaign. He logged that total last year during a season in which he hit .268/.297/.495 (103 wRC+) with a personal-best 27 home runs across 499 plate appearances. On the defensive side, Perez threw out a league-average 27 percent of would-be base stealers – a significant decline from the 48 percent he caught in 2016 – and ranked as one of Baseball Prospectus’ worst pitch framers. Statistics aside, Perez is arguably the heart and soul of the Royals, which brings value that’s impossible to quantify. "

He and Moose are the leaders.  Remember Eric Hosmer is gonzo. Same with Lorenzo Cain.

Oh well.  This is just nuts. I had to share it.

THE FIRST BASE MARKET

The other day, we looked at Mike Moustakas at BYB. If you haven't seen it yet, read I KNOW WHERE MIKE MOUSTAKAS IS GOING. 

Now let's think about the first base market. Guys like Eric Hosmer and Logan Morrison are still sitting out there. Crazy right? Now, similar to 3rd base and a guy like Moustakas, there are very few realistic options for Hosmer and Morrison given the fact that most teams are already set in stone at 1st base.  Check this out:

--Baltimore Orioles: Chris Davis, with a DH in Trumbo.

--Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu, with DH in Matt Davidson. Plus, the Sox are rebuilding.

--Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera with DH in Victor Martinez. And again... the Tigers are too rebuilding.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

--Houston Astros: Yuli Gurriel. The Astros have DH Marwin Gonzalez.

--LA Angels: Albert Pujols at first. The DH is Ohtani

--Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer.  The DH slot is open, but the Twins not big spenders

-- New York Yankees: Greg Bird at first, and Stanton in the sometimes DH.

--Oakland A's: Matt Olsen. He had 24 homers in only 59 games after the call-up last season. The DH is Kris Davis.

Photo: Getty Images

--Seattle Mariners: Ryon Healy. Healy had 25 homers and 78 RBIs last year. The DH is Nelson Cruz.

Photo: Getty Images

--Tampa Bay Rays: Brad Miller might be a weak option, but the Rays are rebuilding and won’t spend, trust me.

--Texas Rangers: Joey Gallo (41 homers.) The DH is top prospect Willie Calhoun.

--Toronto Blue Jays: Justin Smoak had 38 homers, 90 RBIs last year. The DH is Kendrys Morales.

--Arizona Diamondbacks: Goldschmidt!

--Atlanta Braves: They have Freddie Freeman

--Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo is there!

--Cincinnati Reds: The Reds still have Joey Votto

--LA Dodgers: Of course, Cody Bellinger

Photo: Getty Images

--Miami Marlins have Justin Bour and the Marlins have no spending money.

--Milwaukee Brewers: Eric Thames had 31 homers last year.

--Philadelphia Phillies: Carlos Santana

--Pittsburgh Pirates: Josh Bell [26 HR, 90 RBI]

--San Francisco Giants have Brandon Belt

--St. Louis Cardinals: Matt Carpenter

--Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman. Boom.

This leaves only 6 teams as potential options for a big name first baseman. Here they are:

Photo: Boston Herald

--Boston Red Sox: With Moreland at 1st and Hanley Ramirez as the DH, Boston could sign someone, but they are likely to sign JD Martinez when all is said and done. It's very doubtful they'd sign Hosmer or LoMo.

--Cleveland Indians: They just lost Carlos Santana and will play Edwin Encarnacion at 1st, but that leaves a vacancy at DH. So signing a 1st baseman is possible 

Photo: Getty Images

--Kansas City Royals: They are still trying to resign Hosmer and believe me, it's the likely landing spot.

--Colorado Rockies: They have prospect Ryan McMahon, but could turn to a veteran hitter at 1st.

--New York Mets: Adrian Gonzalez? Dom Smith? Really? The Mets should be vying for Hosmer or at least Logan Morrison.

Photo by Chris Stone

--San Diego Padres: They have Wil Myers at 1st right now, but he could move to the outfield. They have made a 7-year offer to Hosmer. I still think Hosmer will go elsewhere though.

Now Cleveland could be a dark horse here. Remember, they lost Santana and might surprise everyone and jump in late on Hosmer. I have a feeling though that if the Royals really offered Hosmer 7 years, $147M, that he will ultimately settle back with KC. That would leave Logan Morrison as a potential nice lower cost option for Cleveland or the Rockies. The Mets are too cheap, but they should be jumping in on this, at least for Morrison.

But I gotta ask...what do you guys think?

--Douglas Solomon
BYB Writer

YANKEES MIGHT WANT HOSMER THIS OFFSEASON

Photo: Getty Images

I love this nugget from Jon Heyman about the possibility of the Yankees trying to pursue Eric Hosmer this offseason... but to be honest, I'm calling BS on it.  Just because I'm not so sure we need the dude.

Whatever the case, here it is:

Photo: Getty Images

"Could he possibly benefit from a Yankees-Red Sox battle? It isn’t out of the question. Boston seems like an obvious choice. But how about the Yankees? They are talking about trying to get below the luxury tax threshold, will need pitching and still seem to hope that Greg Bird will overcome his myriad injuries and become a dependable first-base solution.

“They could be in play,” one person close to the team said.

But the Yankees are said to love Hosmer, who brings the kind of clutch and leadership they seek."

Aug. 22, 2017 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America

Do the Yankees like Hosmer? Everything that I have heard points to yes.  Do they need him? No. Do they love leadership in the clubhouse? Absolutely. Is Hosmer on the radar? I'm saying not now... but who knows. The idea of the Sox trying to pursue him too makes it interesting.

I still like this nugget, but we'll have to see how it plays out.  Bottom line, I would love Hosmer on our team. I just don't know if he's a good fit with what we already have.

More soon...

 

DON'T LAUGH, BUT THE YANKEES ARE LOOKING AT LUCAS DUDA!

This weekend both New York baseball teams were setting up to make big moves and have one thing in common that could set up a rare event. The Yankees and Mets are hardly frequent trade partners but on Saturday a common need quickly turned into a real trade possibility and rumors started flying. The Mets are likely to be sellers, and the Yankees have some serious issues to fix if they want to be contenders this year. The Mets may have what they need so could they really be trade partners?

Last week it sounded like Joe Girardi and Yankee ownership were on different pages. Yankee brass wanted to focus on pitching and Girardi wanted another option for first base and suddenly on Saturday Chris Carter was designated for assignment. Girardi and Yankee fans everywhere rejoiced (sorry Carter) and Tyler Austin was called up to finally get his shot.

Austin's first game up didn't go as we all had planned. His first game got the best of him and now the Yankees may be looking for some more veteran options to help out at first base. With an unproven Austin and Greg Bird still out with an unknown return date the Yankees and Mets may make a good trade match-up....enter Lucas Duda?

Now I have to admit, at first I laughed but HERE is one source talking about it and there are others out there too. I have frequently poked fun at Duda making up my own song to the tune of "Old McDonald" but the more I looked at it the more I understood why it makes sense at least on paper.

Duda may be one of the Mets most desirable pieces and the Yankees could be the best landing spot for him if other big names like Eric Hosmer on the Royals remain in playoff contention. The Yankees have a laundry list of injuries to deal with and it is now even worse now that Aaron Hicks is on the disabled list and Starlin Castro has a strained hamstring. The Yankees insist that Austin is the everyday first baseman now, but he's already had to play the outfield, the Yankees are going to have to take it easy as Jacoby Ellsbury gets back into a routine and let's face it....Greg Bird is still a giant question mark.

Photo: Getty Images

I have never been overwhelmed by Duda and the Yankees still see Bird as the first baseman of the future, but for now he can offer the Yankees something they don't have. He has the experience at first and he has hit five home runs this month and is rebounding after missing time last season  with injuries. He would also give them a legitimate power left hand bat to put between Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Matt Holliday. They’re going to need more pop if and when Hicks or Brett Gardner does hit a slump. It just gives the Yankees some more options without creating a roadblock at first base for Bird or Austin and since Duda is a free agent after the season it's an easy short term addition for the Yankees.

Photo: Getty Images

I still have all of my faith in Austin at first base right now. This weekend was just a blip, and Casey was right when he said A CAREER IS NOT DETERMINED BY 1 GAME but the Yankees are in a downward spiral and need some help. First base is a major weakness right now because offensive production at first base has been pathetic. Their .599 OPS from first base ranks 29th overall, and only the Angels (.590) are worse.

The Yankees aren't desperate but if the Mets are selling it can't hurt to look. Duda wouldn't require losing anything important. The Yankees aren't desperate yet, but if they don't do something soon things could get ugly soon.....and not just at first base.

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

THAT ERIC HOSMER RUMOR I LOVE

(June 1, 2017 - Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)     

Everyone loves Greg Bird, and I am with them.  The guy was great to watch a few years ago.  Then he came back this season, and suddenly he was hurt with that bone bruise ankle thingy and it's annoying because it would have been cool seeing he and Aaron Judge bashing baseballs all over Yankee Stadium. But nothing's happening and I am alittle concerned that Bird's not gonna come back any time soon.

Now comes word from MLB Trade Rumors that there's an idea out there (by them), that maybe a guy like Eric Hosmer could be in the cards for the Yanks. Why? Well, because of Bird still not back... and because Chris Carter is just stinking up the joint.

Photo: Getty Images

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"Hosmer had a terrible second half in 2016 and got off to a slow start in 2017, but he’s reminded everyone why there’s talk of him potentially signing a mega-deal this offseason with his recent play. He’s hitting .314/.363/.469 on the season as a whole, and if you throw out his first 20 games of the season, that slash line jumps to a preposterous .370/.415/.574. That’s admittedly an arbitrary cutoff, and Hosmer has shown to be too ground-ball happy and prone to slumps in the past. But for the past 42 games, he’s been among baseball’s very best hitters, and a club with a void at first base/DH such as the Yankees, Rangers or Mariners (if the latter two end up as buyers) could benefit."

Photo: Newsday

Now look, Hosmer is a free agent after this season, but for me, that works.  He can be a rental, like Billy Butler was last year.  Just waiting until Bird comes back, if at all.

Look, I have no idea if this is a serious idea or something the Yankees are even thinking about.  One would suggest it's just blabber... and that's fine.  I am just a Hosmer fan, and would love to see him in pinstripes, even if it was temporary.

Thought I'd share.  Carry on.

A PITCHER YOU DIDN'T KNOW WAS "CONNECTED" TO THE YANKEES

(Aug. 18, 2016 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)    

Well this one is coming out of left field....and I certainly didn't see it coming. I don't know where Richard Justice of MLB.com got this idea because I just don't see the Yankees being interested in this but if nothing else it is a compelling idea. After all, there isn't a whole lot of new information out there and Brian Cashman did say on Monday that he is "99.9 percent plus" sure that the Yankees are done making any moves for the upcoming season.

(July 26, 2016 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)    

According to MLB.com HERE, Danny Duffy is a trade chip that the Kansas City Royals are willing to deal and he would fit in well for the Yankees. This connection does make SOME sense when you look at the challenges facing both clubs right now, but I'm not so sure there is enough common ground there to make a trade. Let's look.....

The Yankees are currently transitioning to get new young blood into the organization, and the Royals on the other hand are preparing to transition as they lose six of their prominent World Series players to free agency. I don't envy Royals fans right now. The players that brought them a ring all hit free agency together, and the Royals just won't be able to afford them.

(Lorenzo Cain: Aug. 28, 2016 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)    

If I were the Royals (which I am glad I'm not!) I would be looking to move some of these guys to not only save on payroll, but to get some young promising talent into the organization before they walk away and may end up with nothing. As it stands now Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, and Danny Duffy are all entering free agency, and should be considered possible trade targets.

Now, here is where the Yankees come in to play. Cashman says he is out of money but to address the questions that Justice asks in his article...it could be a match.

1) How good are we right now?
Offensively, I would say we are okay. We have some good young bats. Pitching though does not look good.

(Sept. 23, 2016 - Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images North America)

2) Is there one more acquisition that makes sense?
More than one. The Yankees need pitching. Jose Quintana? Jason Hammel? Danny Duffy?

3) Are we letting an opportunity pass?
Possibly, and even Brian Cashman knows that and is still keeping tabs on it.

The season hasn't started yet and you can't predict baseball but right now pitching could be the "make or break" for the Yankees this season especially with how good Boston's rotation looks on paper. The Yankees really need another starter and an experienced veteran wouldn't hurt.

(Sept. 22, 2016 - Source: Duane Burleson/Getty Images North America)

Duffy had a great season with a 12-3 record, 3.51 ERA, 188 strikeouts in 179 innings. It looks great on paper but that is not consistent with his prior years so the Yankees would have to count on him continuing with his hot streak which doesn't seem likely. It would also be nice to have another lefty in the rotation but if the Yankees don't want to give up prospects for Quintana the more desirable lefty why would they for Duffy?

And what about the cost? Teams know how much talent the Yankees have in the farm system now so it is no surprise that the Yankees lost seven players in the 2016 Rule 5 draft. The Yankees need pitching, but given how unpredictable Duffy has been in his career giving up any big names would be too risky. I would rather see the Yankees hold on to all of their top prospects, let the kids battle it out in Spring Training and round out the rotation that way. Duffy just isn't worth it in my opinion.

Justice certainly gave us all a compelling idea....but unfortunately I think it makes more sense for the Royals going forward than it does the Yankees. I do like the rumor mill though! It makes these boring winter days go by a little bit faster. Is it time for Spring Training Yet? No?! Wake me up when it is time or when the Yankees get a pitcher.



 --Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ