YANKEES LOOKING TO ADD ZAC GALLEN: REPORT

The Yankees swung big this offseason, bolstering their lineup with some impressive moves. But life threw them a curveball in the form of Gerrit Cole’s injury, putting the team in a bind. Sure, their bats are lighting up scoreboards, but whispers about pitching depth are becoming more ominous. When the offense inevitably cools off, the mound could become the Yankees’ Achilles heel.

Rumor has it the Yankees are scouring the market for reinforcements. MLB insider Bob Nightengale suggests Zac Gallen, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ ace, might be on their radar. Gallen, finishing his $13.5 million contract this season, is eyeing free agency—and with it, a hefty payday.

After striking out 13 Yankees in a dazzling performance, Gallen’s talent didn’t just leave hitters flailing; it also set off alarm bells in New York’s front office. The Philadelphia-area native has a soft spot for the East Coast, making him an enticing prospect for the Yankees. As much as the Diamondbacks would love to keep their star, their wallet might not stretch far enough—especially after splurging $210 million on Corbin Burnes.

With Gallen likely set to land a mega $200-million-plus deal, the Yankees might see him as a game-changer for their rotation. His 2024 stats—14 wins, a 3.65 ERA—back up his reputation, and his 2025 start has been just as sharp, including a dominant showing against New York.

Pairing Gallen with Gerrit Cole would be a dream duo, though Cole’s experience and reliability still make him the Yankees’ alpha arm. While Cole keeps batters guessing with his pitch variety and laser-focused preparation, Gallen’s precision and knack for avoiding walks have turned him into a rising Cy Young contender.

But here’s the catch: the Yankees have their own financial hurdles to clear. With Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried set to make a combined $78.3 million in 2026, their budget is tighter than a brand-new glove. Adding Gallen might require some creative accounting—or a miracle. After all, even baseball dynasties have limits.

THE FIRST MARTIAN DINGER!

We needed a big blast from Jasson Domínguez. We craved it. Yankees fans everywhere have been waiting—no, yearning—for this kid to shine in New York. And now? Oh, it’s happening.

Monday night, bottom of the third, 21-year-old Domínguez stepped up and absolutely turned on a Corbin Burnes fastball. Boom. A smooth 377-foot shot to right field—his first home run of the season. It wasn’t some violent, no-doubt nuke. It was quieter, smoother. The kind of swing that just carries the ball over the fence with an effortless swagger. 100 mph off the bat. All belief. No doubt.

And let’s not gloss over the fact that he did this off Burnes—the ace of the Diamondbacks, a former Cy Young winner. That’s not just a home run, it's important.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Yankees’ handling of Domínguez in left field. Will the homers gloss over the fact that he can't field? Not sure yet. I mean why in the world was he never properly trained there before this season? The guy’s a natural center fielder. Out of 298 games in the minors, he played left field just 58 times. That’s not “development,” that’s neglect. And now, in the majors, he’s basically learning on the fly.

I mentioned this before, but my buddy Dave at the barbershop put it perfectly: “Why the hell didn’t they train Domínguez in left field last year?” Great question, Dave. It’s not like the Yankees didn’t know their outfield situation was going to shift. Did they really think Juan Soto was a long-term lock? Did they not anticipate needing flexibility? Instead of preparing Domínguez for what was clearly a likely role, they let him marinate in center only to now throw him into left at the highest level. Make it make sense.

But you know what? At the end of the day, the kid rakes. He crushed one last night, and that’s what matters. If he keeps hitting dingers, the Yankees will find a way to make it work, and they really need to because I love seeing this kid hit dingers.

ALONSO GETTING LOOKS & THE METS CAN'T SEEM TO SEAL THE DEAL

Oh, Mets. Here we go again. Did they not learn anything from the Yankees? Apparently not. When you blow nearly a billion dollars on one player, you’re essentially locking yourself in a diamond-studded financial jail cell. And guess what? That’s why they’re struggling to re-sign Pete Alonso and couldn’t close the deal with Teoscar Hernández, who’s now rocking Dodger blue again. Steve Cohen might be a billionaire, but his strategy is looking more like Monopoly money management. In his rush to one-up the Yankees and snag Juan Soto, Cohen forgot one very important lesson: you need more than a shiny superstar to win games. Classic Mets. That’s why they’ll always be Just the Mets.

But let’s not stop there. Cohen’s obsession with beating the Yankees has turned into a full-blown soap opera, and not the good kind. Sure, stealing Soto is a headline move, but when the rest of your lineup looks like it’s held together with duct tape, what’s the point? The Mets didn’t just fail to "win" the offseason—they tripped over themselves in spectacular fashion, leaving their fans asking, “Wait, we did what with all that money?”

Meanwhile, over on the West Coast, the San Francisco Giants are licking their wounds after losing the Corbin Burnes sweepstakes. The Arizona Diamondbacks swooped in and locked him up with a six-year, $210 million deal, leaving the Giants scrambling for other big free agents to fill other big holes they have. Enter Pete Alonso. 

But wait, let’s talk logistics. The Alonso market isn’t exactly booming. Teams like the Yankees, Astros, and Guardians have already filled their first-base holes with trades or free-agent signings. Even the Mariners, one of the few teams still in need of a first baseman, are reportedly taking their sweet time. That leaves the Giants as one of the last real suitors standing. Could Alonso break their 20-year home run drought? Sure. Could Oracle Park’s cavernous outfield shave a few dingers off his stat sheet? Also yes. It’s like moving a shark into a kiddie pool—you know it’s not gonna be happy, but it’ll still be terrifying.

Back in New York, a Mets-Alonso reunion remains technically possible, but don’t hold your breath. MLB rumors suggest that negotiations between the two sides are about as far apart as Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. Alonso probably wants superstar money, and the Mets, after their Soto splurge, are looking at their wallet like, “What money?”

At the end of the day, this whole situation is peak Mets. They’ve spent like drunken sailors, gotten outmaneuvered by smarter teams, and now find themselves in danger of losing their best homegrown slugger since…well, maybe ever. Meanwhile, Steve Cohen continues to play chess while everyone else is playing baseball—only it turns out Cohen’s chess set is missing a few pieces.

So what’s my takeaway? The Giants might snag Pete Alonso and finally add some pop to their lineup. The Mets might find a way to keep him, but only after an offseason circus worthy of Barnum & Bailey. And Steve Cohen? 

He’s proving once again that money can’t buy championships—or common sense.

BURNES TO PITCH IN THE DESERT!

Stop the presses and cue the mariachi band—Corbin Burnes is taking his flamethrower to the Valley of the Sun! In a deal reportedly worth six years and a cool $210 million, the Diamondbacks have lured the biggest fish (or should we say snake?) in this year’s free-agent pitching market. And because no blockbuster is complete without a twist, Burnes gets an opt-out after the 2026 season. Talk about keeping things spicy.

Burnes, a 30-year-old right-hander with Cy Young-level skills and a resume that makes scouts drool, is poised to supercharge an already impressive D-backs rotation. Here’s what Burnes has been up to: Last season, he was lighting up the mound for the Orioles, going 15-9 with a razor-sharp 2.92 ERA. Over 32 starts, he clocked 181 strikeouts in 194 1/3 innings. Oh, and he earned his fourth straight All-Star nod and started the Midsummer Classic for the AL. Not too shabby, right?

Now, I have to confess—when I played armchair GM, I had Burnes landing with the Giants. Why? Because every "baseball insider" under the sun swore it was happening... the Giants or the Dodgers they would say. Spoiler alert: they were wrong. Seriously, how do they keep that baseball insider title? Instead, Burnes is packing his bags for Arizona, proving once again that this sport loves to keep us guessing.

For Burnes, it’s not just about baseball—it’s about coming home. As an Arizona resident, he’ll be pitching in his own backyard, and he’s joining a rotation that’s already stacked. Picture this: Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. Add Corbin Burnes. Nice.

The New York Post was the first to report this deal, pending the usual physical. Assuming all goes well, the D-backs are about to unleash the ultimate desert storm, and Burnes is the eye of the hurricane.

Nice snag Diamondbacks! Game on, Arizona. Game on.

SASAKI & BURNES HAVE BOTH MET WITH A WEST COAST TEAM

What does that mean for the Yankees? I'm not sure yet.

The San Francisco Giants are quietly making waves this offseason, and honestly, are we surprised? This is a team that knows how to swing for the fences when it comes to signing marquee talent. Their pursuit of Corbin Burnes is heating up, and now—hold onto your hats—Roki Sasaki might just be in their sights too. Can you imagine the buzz if they pull this off? Let’s break it down from what we know.

First up, Corbin Burnes. The Giants are still firmly in the race to snag the Orioles ace, with only the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox standing in their way, according to Newsweek. The Giants are the frontrunners allegedly, and for good reason. They've already bolstered their roster with the addition of Willy Adames, and landing Burnes would be like putting a cherry on top of the sundae. The goal? Knock the Dodgers off their NL West perch—and boy, would Burnes help them do just that.

Now, let’s talk about Roki Sasaki, Japan’s 23-year-old pitching phenom. Initially, the Giants weren’t seen as major players in the Sasaki sweepstakes. After all, teams like the Dodgers and Yankees are all over it. But according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have actually met with Sasaki and his team. Yes, you read that right—they’re in the room where it happens, and not every team can say that.

Here’s the catch: Sasaki, due to his age, won’t be signing one of those jaw-dropping megadeals that Yoshinobu Yamamoto scored with the Dodgers. Still, a solid deal is very much in the cards, and for San Francisco, this is less about money and more about the pitch. They’ll need to sell him on the team’s vision, the city’s charm, and—let’s be real—a chance to be a part of baseball history.

But don't forget, our Yankees are making their play for Sasaki too, but when it comes to Burnes? Crickets. The Bombers haven’t even entered the Burnes chat. Meanwhile, the Giants are pushing all their chips to the center of the table. Burnes and Sasaki in San Francisco? That’s not just a pipe dream—it’s a potential game-changer especially if they want to compete against the Dodgers, or even Padres.

The Giants are no slouch when it comes to making power moves. If they land even one of these two stars, it’s a win for them. If they get both?  San Francisco is ready to roar.

I still have hope when it comes to my Yankees, however. I feel good about their chances in getting Sasaki.

Stay tuned.

RED SOX MAKE A SIGNIFICANT MOVE & WHAT COMES NEXT?

Let’s get one thing straight: Admiring the Red Sox doesn’t mean we like them. They’re still the same team that ruined many good October nights for Yankees fans. But credit where it’s due—they just pulled off a sneaky-smart move, signing Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with incentives.

Buehler’s a fascinating case. After missing 20 months thanks to Tommy John surgery, his 2023 regular season was, uh, let’s call it “forgettable” (5.38 ERA, yikes). But then came the postseason, where he morphed back into that guy. Thirteen scoreless innings later, Buehler reminded everyone he’s still a dude who knows how to win when it matters most. And now he’s in Boston, which means we have to hear about it. Ugh.

Still, this is a decent signing for the Sox. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal with postseason potential. And let’s be honest—after years of trying to replace the Lester-Buchholz tandem (and failing miserably), they could use a break. Fine, Boston. You did good. Are you happy now?

But you know who did better? The Yankees, obviously. Max Fried, ladies and gentlemen. The ace of consistency, the southpaw savior, the guy you want on the mound in October. While Buehler’s postseason heroics are nice, Fried is the kind of pitcher who makes sure you get to October in the first place. Yankees fans should be thrilled about this one. Fried > Buehler all day long.

Now, let’s talk about the other big fish still swimming in free agency: Corbin Burnes. Where’s he headed? My gut says he’s Hollywood-bound. The Dodgers have a knack for making splashy, last-minute moves, and after losing Buehler, you just know they’re itching to flex their payroll muscles. Burnes in Dodger blue feels inevitable—like the ending of every movie where the rich guy wins.

So, while the Red Sox are over there patting themselves on the back for signing Buehler, and the Yankees are busy counting their Fried Ws, just keep an eye on the Dodgers next. 

If Burnes joins that rotation, it might be time to stock up on antacids for the 2025 season.

ALL THE THINGS THE YANKEES NEED TO FIX BEFORE I STEP INTO THAT STADIUM AGAIN!

When I was in high school, I wrote for the school newspaper. I know you are shocked. But here is the thing. I wrote this piece about the New York Times delivering our journalism "textbook" in a snow drift on a busy intersection on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island. So an entire set of papers together in twine in 12 inches of snow for high school students to use in class. I blasted them with a headline, "All the News That's Fit to Toss Into a Snowdrift." My point. I am not nearly as angry about Juan Soto going to the Mets as I am with a bunch of other to-do list items that the team needs to take responsibility for. And by the way, if they don't, you won't see me at the Stadium in 2025.

First on my list: Fix the entry into the Stadium. It is an absolute dumpster fire trying to get into Yankee Stadium. And guess what, it's not that way anywhere else. I dread it. You can't enjoy the stuff around the Stadium for too long if you don't get in the line early. Even with Clear, it is a mess. So, fix it. Because it's not a good look for fans nor out of towners who are trying to get a glimpse of legendary New York baseball culture. The Yankees are 30th on the list when it comes to getting into the Stadium with maybe Dodger Stadium almost as bad. Tripadvisor, Reddit, TikTok, and recently NDNation who had a slew of Army-Notre Dame fans entering Yankees Stadium for the game in late November all blasted the Stadium for its disaster of a process. Fix it, fix it now. 

Second on my list: Starting pitching. According to MLB.com, “What's the next opportunity?” Cashman said. “We have a lot of different areas to fix on this team; we have vacancies from free agency, so we're exploring trades as well as free agents, comparing that to our internal options that we could promote. Those are the decisions we have to make.” There is no one right now on this roster that can parallel Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation; until yesterday, when the Yankees signed a multi-year deal with Max Fried from Atlanta. 

The Yankees also seem to like Tanner Scott of the Padres and of course Corbin Burnes of the Orioles. All three pitchers are just turning 30, which is fine. But as analysts have been saying, one of the reasons Juan Soto got his payday is because of how good he is for his young age of 26. Pitchers seem to have a bit more life beyond 30 than position players but still something to consider. Let's see if I can cross this one off my list. 

Third on my list: Nail down your fundamentals. Whether it was an embellishment or just hard knocks, it was embarrassing to watch the Yankees look like fools on the base paths, making errors on routine plays and just not having that spark and hustle it takes to win ball games in 2024 and on display in the World Series. Get that under control. So whatever that looks like, get that process and remediation in place and fix the fundamentals. 

Fourth on my list: Bullpen depth. Yea, we had a good bullpen. But you can't count on Luke Weaver every time to bail you out of trouble. It is just not sustainable. I am so glad to see Clay Holmes go, but now what? Who's in the pen? Who can we acquire, who can we home grow? And what will happen with Jonathan Loaisiga, who according to sources, is talking to the Mets. Loaisiga had season ending elbow surgery in April. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training, but will the Yankees be able to keep him? We need some arms, stat. 

Fifth on my list: Just because I want to round it out with 5 for 2025, I will stop with one more request which is really two: Hot corner guys. A first baseman who can hit with power, who can make the hard plays, who can drive in runs and lead. I thought that guy was Anthony Rizzo, but clearly the game has beaten him up over the years and he has moved on. Who can take on that role? 

And a third baseman. Nolan Arenado could be available. At the age of 33 and despite his no trade clause, the Cardinal third baseman could be on the move. As reported by MLB.com, "Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak stressed that from his Dallas hotel suite on Monday night and backed it up, not only proclaiming his intention of trading 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, but venturing to guess that not doing so this winter would likely limit any hopes that the Cardinals have of coming out improved on the other side of what he called a “reset” for 2025." Arenado wants to win a World Series. That hunger could bring him to the Bronx. 

So, unless there is movement on all of these requests, I am not moving off my couch to the Stadium in 2025. Now back to the New York Times story. I called them out as a 17-year-old high school student and they wrote a letter of apology and took responsibility. Will the Yankees do the same? Will they fix the entry process, get a premiere starting pitcher, hone their fundamentals, deepen their pen and get great guys on the hot corners? God, I hope so. I love baseball, but I am not investing in another season unless they take responsibility and make good. 

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

THE SOTO SAGA: WHY YANKEE FANS SHOULD BE GRATEFUL

Alright, Yankees fans, let’s clear the air. Juan Soto isn’t wearing pinstripes, and that’s not a tragedy. 

In fact, it’s possibly a blessing in disguise. Before you throw your remote at the TV or tweet out your frustrations like Nick Turturro, let’s break it down—and maybe have a little fun while we do.

DEAR JUAN SOTO pic.twitter.com/1eNeWCYTlO

— Big Nick Turturro (@NickTurturro1) December 9, 2024

First, let’s give Hal Steinbrenner a round of applause. The Yankees didn’t lose Soto because they were cheap. Oh no, Hal opened the vault and offered Soto more cash than any of us could even dream about. Seriously, the offer was so jaw-dropping it made Aaron Judge’s record-breaking contract look like a Costco discount. They were ready to pay Soto more than they ever paid Derek Jeter. Derek. Freaking. Jeter. Let that sink in.

But Soto? He just couldn’t deal with being the second fiddle. Aaron Judge is the face of the Yankees, the captain, the one fans chant for. Soto wanted to be the main attraction. Ego much? Sorry, Juan, but New York isn’t a place for second-tier divas when we’ve got a leader like Judge. The Mets was the right fit.

Now let’s talk about our crosstown rivals. Steve Cohen swooped in with an offer that screams desperation. And hey, Mets fans, enjoy it while it lasts because in about five years, you’ll be stuck with an overpriced DH who can’t run, can’t field, and is nursing injuries from years of overuse. Soto’s not even a five-tool player. Let’s face it, the Mets didn’t make a smart baseball move—they made a move to stick it to the Yankees. Classic Mets.

Do we really think this is a championship-defining contract? It feels more like a billionaire playing “anything you can do, I can do better.” Spoiler: he can’t. Soto’s contract might just go down as the biggest albatross in MLB history. Yankees fans, you dodged a bullet. The Mets? They have Bobby Bonilla 2.0.

The system is broken. You know that right? Let’s address the elephant in the room: baseball’s salary system is a circus act. $760 million for one player? It’s insane. The Yankees were ready to commit, but maybe it’s a good thing they didn’t. This money can—and should—be spent more wisely.

And so, here's what I say; if Hal was willing to splash that kind of cash on Soto, then he has no excuse not to fix the other holes in this roster. First and third base need upgrades. The rotation? Oh, it’s screaming for reinforcements. Max Fried and Corbin Burnes, anyone? GET THEM BOTH. With just a fraction of what they offered Soto, the Yankees can bring in two legitimate starters and still have cash left over for a power-hitting outfielder.

Think about it: instead of one Soto, we could have multiple stars bolstering this team. That’s not losing—it’s a strategic win.

So, Yankees fans, take a deep breath. This isn’t about Hal being cheap or Brian Cashman losing his touch. It’s about Juan Soto making a decision that wasn’t the right fit for New York. Instead of sulking, let’s see this as an opportunity. The Yankees can still make moves, spend smartly, and build a more well-rounded team.

Who knows? By the time Soto’s hobbling around Citi Field as a glorified pinch hitter, the Yankees could be hoisting another trophy—or two.  

In Hal we trust. Now, Hal, get us those pitchers and let’s go win something, shall we?

I HAVE THE PITCHING SOLUTION & IT AIN'T GARRETT CROCHET

Well, well, well, it looks like the Yankees are poking around the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes. Are they serious about it? Depends on who you ask. Chris Cotillo, who covers the Red Sox (and apparently has ears everywhere), stirred the pot on Twitter:

“Continue hearing Red Sox are just on the periphery of Garrett Crochet talks and are not aggressors at all, at least to this point. Cincinnati seen as a real threat to land Crochet. Yankees believed to be in, too.”

First off, I love the term "believed to be in." It’s like saying, “They might be into him, or they might just be browsing.” Classic Yankees: always lurking, rarely committing—until they do.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Yankees’ current pitching arsenal:

• Gerrit Cole – Cy Young winner. Enough said.
• Carlos Rodón – Fingers crossed he stays healthy.
• Nestor Cortes – Mustache magic.
• Luis Gil – Underrated gem.
• Clarke Schmidt – Solid, but still figuring things out.
• Marcus Stroman – Didn't even pitch in the playoffs.

Now, Crochet would certainly elevate that group. The man posted a very respectable 3.58 ERA last year while playing for the sad sack Chicago White Sox, a team that was so bad they made the Oakland A’s look competitive. Crochet also struck out 209 hitters, proving he’s got serious swing-and-miss stuff.

But what would it take to land Crochet? The White Sox, bless their little South Side hearts, are apparently asking for the moon. They’ve sniffed around the Yankees’ prized prospect Spencer Jones before but got a firm "nope." And why wouldn’t the Yankees play hardball? Jones is practically untouchable unless you’re sending Shohei Ohtani in return.

Chris Cotillo hints that the Yankees’ interest in Crochet might hinge on their failure to land Juan Soto, who is now a Mets. Let’s just say Steve Cohen is playing Monopoly with real money, and the Yankees are stuck trying to mortgage Baltic Avenue.

Crochet would give the Yankees some serious options. Add him to the rotation, and they could dangle someone like Clarke Schmidt or Luis Gil in a trade for another shiny toy. But here’s the kicker: the Yankees have cash to burn. Why trade?

Instead of flipping prospects for Crochet, why not flex those financial muscles and go after Max Fried or Corbin Burnes? We have the cash now... it didn't go to Soto. So imagine this rotation:

1. Gerrit Cole
2. Carlos Rodón
3. Max Fried
4. Corbin Burnes
5. anyone at all

That’s not just good; that’s unfair and I love it.  Pitching wins ballgames, and possibly even a World Series. Remember we didn't win with just Juan Soto.

But look, here's my hard take. I like Garrett Crochet as much as the next baseball nerd. But if the Yankees are going to start writing checks, write one for some free agent pitching instead? Go big or go home. Losing out on Soto stings, but this is the Yankees. They don’t rebuild; they reload and pitching is smart right now.

So Brian Cashman, if you’re reading this (and let’s be honest, you totally are), stop window-shopping and start splurging. Forget the trades—just buy the arms you need. And maybe send Steve Cohen a fruit basket to thank him for turning the Mets into the “most expensive third-place team” in MLB history.

Stay tuned, Yankees fans. Winter Meetings are just heating up, and who knows? Maybe the Bronx Bombers will finally decide to drop a bombshell of their own.

THE YANKEES & RED SOX ABOUT TO FIGHT FOR MAX FRIED

As you know, Max Fried’s time in Atlanta is looking as over as a fried chicken sandwich at lunchtime. Braves fans, brace yourselves—your ace is packing his bags, and his next stop is likely in a city where $200 million contracts flow like sweet tea in the South.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports put it bluntly:

“They haven’t thrown a pitch in more than two months, but their stocks have soared thanks to the contracts given to pitchers whose resumes pale in comparison. When Matthew Boyd receives a 2-year, $29 million contract without throwing more than 79 innings since 2019, when Luis Severino is getting $67 million over three years and Blake Snell is making an average annual salary of $36.4 million, Burnes and Fried should top $200 million.”

Translation? Fried is about to get paid. Like, Scrooge McDuck diving into a vault paid. And why not? His resume is pure gold. Over 168 appearances (151 starts), he’s put up a dazzling 3.07 ERA, a tidy 1.16 WHIP, and racked up 863 strikeouts. Toss in two All-Star nods, three Gold Gloves, and a couple of Cy Young votes—one as the 2022 runner-up—and you’ve got a pitcher who’s not just good. He’s elite.

The Braves? Well, they’re not the Yankees or Red Sox when it comes to free-agent spending sprees. And let’s face it, Fried’s not sticking around for pocket change and a nice thank-you note. Nightengale didn’t hold back here, either:

“Fried priced himself out of Atlanta, but is expected to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox. If Soto goes to the Mets, Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war between the Red Sox and Yankees.”

Bidding war? You better believe it. The Yankees reportedly had a Zoom call with Fried that went “very well.” Translation: they’re already envisioning Fried carving up lineups in pinstripes. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have been hot on his trail from the jump, ready to throw Fenway-sized money at the lefty ace.

For Braves fans, this is a gut punch. Losing Fried stings. But Atlanta’s hands are tied here. Thanks to an offseason market that saw guys like Luis Severino and Blake Snell cash in big, Fried’s price tag rocketed into another stratosphere—one the Braves can’t afford.

Now, if it were up to me (and let’s pretend it is), I’d love to see the Yankees pivot to Corbin Burnes. Why not Burnes, you ask? He’s every bit as good as Fried and would add a Milwaukee-style kick to that rotation. But hey, what do I know? I’m just here for the drama.

For now, all eyes are on Fried and where he’ll land. Yankees or Red Sox? Either way, Braves fans will be watching through their fingers, wishing they could hold onto their ace just a little longer. Meanwhile, Fried is about to dive into a pile of cash that would make even his curveball jealous. Stay tuned.

TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ: A TERRIFIC PLAN B

No, I'm not giving up on Soto, but I am thinking about what happens if we don't get him back in the Bronx.  If the Yanks aren't doing that we have a problem. You always have to be ready just in case.

Look, the Yankees are all-in on Juan Soto, and fans are already picturing his majestic swings sending balls to Mars—or at least into the second deck at Yankee Stadium. But with the Soto sweepstakes reaching absurd heights—$700 million over 15 years and counting—the Bombers might need a backup plan if they’re outbid by another team with even deeper pockets (we’re looking at you, Steve Cohen). Fear not, Yankees fans: Plan B doesn’t have to be boring. Say hello to Teoscar Hernández, the affordable power bat who could still light up the Bronx.

Let’s face it: losing out on Soto would sting. But snagging Teoscar Hernández wouldn’t just ease the pain; it might even make you forget you were chasing a $700 million dream. Coming off a stellar 2024 with the Dodgers, where he slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 homers and 99 RBIs, Teoscar is the kind of under-the-radar superstar who can bring the thunder without the sticker shock.

The best part? At five years and $100 million (shoutout to Bleacher Report for the scoop), Hernández is a steal compared to Soto’s mega-deal. That leaves the Yankees with cash to throw at other shiny toys—like, say, Max Fried or Corbin Burnes. Imagine pairing Hernández’s bat with a reinforced rotation. That’s what we call winning the offseason without needing a billionaire’s piggy bank.

Teoscar’s not just about hitting bombs; he’s versatile, too. Sure, he’s most comfortable in right field, but sliding over to left is no problem for him. With Aaron Judge possibly patrolling center, Hernández would slide into left field like he’s been there all along. Oh, and did we mention he’s already got a shiny 2024 World Series ring from his time in L.A.? Bring on the postseason swagger.

Hernández wasn’t supposed to be here—at least not according to his 2023 season with the Mariners, which was, well, forgettable. But after signing a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers, he exploded for a career-high 33 homers and helped carry them to a championship. That’s the kind of redemption arc Yankees fans eat up.

The Yankees are taking their shot at Soto. They always do. But if he ends up somewhere else (seriously, Steve Cohen, don’t ruin this for me), the Bombers aren’t sunk. Teoscar Hernández brings pop, versatility, and value to a team that needs all three. Plus, with the cash they save, they can chase another ace, upgrade a bench spot, or finally spring for that bullpen hot tub Yankee fans keep joking about.

Bottom line? Whether it’s Soto or Hernández, the Yankees are gearing up for 2025. And if Teoscar ends up being Plan B, he might just turn out to be Plan Brilliant.  Just saying...

Stay tuned.

MORE JUAN SOTO RUMORS & "MLB INSIDER" CONFUSION!

PLEASE STOP THE INSANITY! Stop the confusing rumors. I swear every day it's like the baseball world picks a new team to either excite or frustrate. Three days ago it was doom and gloom for the Yankees and now all the sudden there is hope. 

Just three days ago the vibe was THE LATEST JUAN SOTO RUMORS ARE NOT GOOD FOR THE YANKEES! Everyone was buzzing about what Boston.com and Randy Miller had to say. Well, surprise the story changed yet again yesterday and now the Yankees are being hyped up again in the Soto sweepstakes according to Jon Heyman HERE and Jeff Passan HERE. Not only do both "insiders" think the Yankees have a shot at signing Juan Soto, but they think a decision could be made by the end of the weekend. Even Scott Boras says a decision is coming.... if you can believe anything he says.

So now the Yankees have a chance even though before all we heard was the Yankees don't want to go over $600 million and certainly don't want to go 15 years. All of these "insiders" believe the Blue Jays have the highest offer on the table, but yet Soto isn't expected to sign here. Likewise, so many baseball fans have told me they believe the highest bidder will win the Soto sweepstakes, yet Soto also wants a competitive ream to surround him.

Everything is clear as mud, right? Meanwhile, the Yankees are also staying engaged with other desirable targets like Max Fried that sound like a "Plan B" option when you stack them up next to Soto but really aren't. It's just the reality when you are in the same ocean as big white whale Soto. It makes me even more frustrated though because IF the Yankees did reunite with Soto and his hefty salary request Hal Steinbrenner is likely going to tighten the purse strings a lot so Fried or a Corbin Burnes may not be palatable for him even though we need the higher end pitching too.

I am ready to get off of the Juan Soto anxiety roller coaster ride. At this point, I just want clarity on IF the Yankees and Soto are reuniting or not so we can move on with the rest of the winter priorities. No matter what the answer is, I am fine with it. I am just tired of the daily rumors that change constantly.

This winter is driving me crazy. Until Soto makes up his mind it really impacts the rest of the Yankees offseason....and I am gonna have to stop reading on these contradictory rumors so I don't lose my mind.

Make up your mind Soto! At this point, I am so indifferent and tired of reading about you!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

REFLECTING ON THE SEASON PAST

Last weekend I ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon and then on Sunday, I spectated the full marathon. I felt inspired in both instances because I met incredible people who were out there to reach their goals: to finish or to set a personal best. Either way, they were there for the win. In fact there was one guy in particular that gave me the ultimate inspiration. You can see for yourself in the image I captured below. 

Reflecting on all of this and coupling that with the loss I have felt since Game 5 of the World Series, I realized one thing: this season was a steppingstone for something more. And that something more could be realized if the Yankee brass really digs into what needs to be done and do it. 

"The Dodgers, with the help of poor defense from New York, orchestrated a historic comeback after facing a 0-5 deficit. It was the sort of jaw-dropping game that seems too crazy to be true, and yet it was the very inning that transpired for the Dodgers to take home their eighth World Series title," reported Dodgers Nation. That comeback inspired the Dodgers to dig into the Yankees, giving them more attention than the actual World Series Title they won. Why? I mean, do you really need to kick a guy when they are down? Actually, no. And on that note Baseball Analyst Buster Olney called out the Dodgers for their poor form. “I know this: If the Yankees had won, Aaron Judge wouldn’t have crapped on the Dodgers,” Olney said. “Giancarlo Stanton wouldn’t have. Anthony Volpe? No chance." The Yankees remain a class act while the Dodgers look like nothing more than a bunch of thugs. Oh, and did they forget we have the AL MVP on our roster? 

Yet there is the defensive work that the Yankees need to put in during the off season leading into Spring Training. With likely a brand-new infield other than Volpe, it will be very interesting how the team will work together to meet defensive expectations.

Then there is the pitching concerns which Hal Steinbrenner pointed out in an interview on Sunday. “I don’t think you can ever have enough pitching,” Steinbrenner told reporters last week at the owner’s meetings in Manhattan. “We’re going to take a deep dive into the starting rotation, into the bullpen.” This could include bringing in Dodger starting pitcher Walker Buehler. According to Forbes, "Before Buehler dominated the Yankees in his six innings during Fall Classic, he was 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 75 1/3 innings and struggled in his first postseason start by allowing six runs in five innings in Game 3 of the NLDS but then he turned it on, pitching 10 shutout innings in his final three postseason appearances." 

Buehler would be considerably less cash than a Corbin Burnes. And the Yankees have 2024 Rookie of the Year Luis Gil as well as a healthy Clarke Schmidt. But as they are quick to point out, it is Juan Soto that is dominating every thought and reflection. 

"Buehler is certainly an intriguing name but the bigger intrigue in the upcoming weeks is the offer to Soto and if the Yankees can retain him to keep the pairing of him and Aaron Judge intact. Until then it is a long way from mutual interest to an actual contract agreement and the Yankees are all hands on deck for Soto before anything else at the moment."

So can the Yankees be inspirational again like in the late 1990s and 2000s? Can they build back what they have lost and come back even better. I think so. They are in fact the good guys, despite what others say. And if they can actually land Soto and Buehler and get their infield squared up, they could be in clear contention in 2025. And wouldn't that be something inspirational. 

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

3 BIG PITCHING TARGETS FOR THE YANKEES, BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON SOTO

Ah, Jon Heyman. You gotta hand it to the guy—he makes you click. 

The man is a clickbait Picasso, spinning vague headlines and speculative rumors into must-click gold. Remember "Arson Judge"? The internet burned for days! Now he’s back, and this time it’s all about the Yankees, Juan Soto, and ace pitchers. Spoiler: nobody knows anything, but somehow, we’re still here.

So, according to Heyman—our modern-day Nostradamus of the hot stove—the Yankees have “checked in” on Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell. Translation? Someone in the Yankees' front office probably Googled their Baseball Reference pages. But the big catch is this: whether the Yankees actually pursue one of these aces depends on if Soto re-signs. Yep, the entire pitching market apparently revolves around one guy. Classic Yankees drama.

Burnes is the top prize in my opinion, with projections putting his next contract north of $200 million. But wait—what if Max Fried, with his postseason pedigree and lefty magic, is actually the most sought-after arm? (Cue dramatic reality show music.) Fried isn't likely to touch Burnes' price tag, but he’s bringing serious heat on the market after declining the Braves’ qualifying offer. The Yankees, Giants, and Red Sox are all reportedly drooling over him.

Blake Snell? 

He’s just chilling, posting a solid 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP in 2024. He’s projected to get a modest (in MLB terms) five-year, $131 million deal, which makes him a relatively affordable Plan B. The Red Sox, despite having a respectable 2024 team ERA (because who doesn’t love a random stat drop?), might want to splurge. Beantown’s gotta keep up with the Yankees somehow, right?

Back to the Bronx, where Gerrit Cole’s triumphant return this year erased the immediate need for an ace. But let’s be honest: the Yankees collecting pitchers is like you collecting takeout menus. Do they need Fried, Burnes, or Snell? No. Do they want one? Absolutely. Picture Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón, Cole, and a shiny new toy like Fried—chef’s kiss. That’s rotation royalty.

But here’s the kicker: none of this happens unless Juan Soto decides he loves pinstripes enough to stay. If Soto bounces, the Yankees will pivot faster than a kid pretending they weren’t reaching for the last cookie. Suddenly, it’s all about pitching. Burnes! Snell! Fried! We’re signing them all! Or maybe just Googling their names again. Who knows...

And here’s the thing: you just read all of this, and I wrote it... all because of Jon Heyman. He’s the king of the vague-yet-enticing rumor mill. Is he often wrong? Oh, for sure. But he’s got us wrapped around his Twitter finger. Whether or not the Yankees pull off a blockbuster, one thing’s for sure: Jon Heyman is absolutely crushing his job. Now excuse me while I refresh his feed.

THE YANKEES ARE ENGAGED WITH TOP TIER TALENT!

It's REALLY early but for once, it's nice to hear some rumors about the Yankees talking to difference makers. I'm so tired of Brian Cashman shopping for bottom of the barrel guys in hopes of catching lightening in a bottle. It never works.

There are some eye-catching names that are available this winter. We all know everyone is checking in on Juan Soto, but there's other interesting names out there, which is what we all want to hear. I thought last year it was pretty uninteresting. Soto will be a nice catch for someone, but he isn't the only nice target out there.

So, the Yankees have to be smart about this. They can't stay hyper focused on Soto, we need a lot of upgrades. So, the Yankees are laying the groundwork, read more HERE. It's too early to get super excited about any leads yet but the Yankees are making calls, and a top end of the rotation starting pitcher appears to be on the wish list. If we could add a Corbin Burnes or Max Fried to the rotation, it makes the rotation deeper, allows us to stash Marcus Stroman in the bullpen and takes some pressure off of Gerrit Cole (he can't do EVERYTHING) and just fortifies this team.

There's also that Blake Snell rumor that just doesn't want to die and go away. It's back. I wish it would just disappear into outer space because I personally don't want Snell but, the Yankees have checked in as they have before. If nothing else, hopefully it drives up the price and maybe some other team pays through the nose for him!

The Yankees are thinking about more than just pitching, and they need to. We need help all along the infield and what if the Yankees can't get Soto back? They need another outfielder. The Yankees have checked in on Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso. I'm not gonna lie, secretly I would like to lure someone from the Mets to the Yankee dark side as I laugh at Steve Cohen, however I am not 100% sold on Alonso as our new first baseman. Santander on the other hand, love his switch-hitting abilities but he fits other Yankee traits: all or nothing with a low batting average, higher strikeouts with some pop and can help with some RBI's. I just don't want more of the same old fundamentally flawed Yankee lineup. Sounds just like more of Brian Cashman's existing failed strategy, so no wonder the Yankees are tied to him.

The Yankees have a lot of work to do. I'm anxious to see how this plays out, because Hal Steinbrenner says current payroll isn't sustainable. So, if he's serious it feels like another starter AND getting Soto back feels unlikely. We need help so....do better, Cashman. Make smart choices for once.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj