EVEN THE DIAMONDBACKS ARE MAKING BIGGER MOVES THAN THE YANKEES!

I never thought I would live in a world where the Diamondbacks make splashier moves than the Yankees. Welcome to the new world I guess. It's like I stepped into the Twilight Zone.

If you didn't know....I no longer live in New York. Now I live in Arizona where the sports world is bleak. We no longer have a hockey team (they sucked anyways), the Suns choke every year, and the Cardinals are just unwatchable and Kyler Murray is a joke. Hell, ASU football has more of a following. The Diamondbacks are the pride and joy of this state....and historically speaking that is pretty sad.

But as of yesterday, Diamondback fans are celebrating like it is 2001 all over again. The Diamondbacks traded for Nolan Arenado in exchange for minor leaguer Jack Martinez and cash. The Cardinals are in the middle of a major rebuild but three years ago a salary dump moving Arenado was a fantasy wish for other teams. He was a National League MVP finalist with elite defense. His offense has slipped steadily since then and the Cardinals finally moved him. Arenado is due $42 million over two years but the Rockies are on the hook for $5MM of that sum. Arizona is on the hook for $5 million this season and $6 million next year making it "easier" for the Cardinals to eat the rest of the money owed.

With that, Diamondbacks fans are feeling good about themselves. I heard about it all day at work, the jabs just kept coming. 

"Hey where is your GM? It's Brian Cashman, right? He must be at school learning how to become a General Manager."

"Did you guys sell your team? It's like the Yankees don't exist anymore! It's all about the Blue Jays now."

"We have a bigger budget than the Yankees do. You guys go bankrupt or something?"

"Watch Cody Bellinger is gonna be a DODGER again and then you will be crying."

"Hey I bet we can teach Arenado to play a better shortstop than Anthony Volpe!"

The sad part is I think they COULD teach Arenado to be a better shortstop than Volpe. That bar isn't set very high. Arenado may not be what he once was but he's no worse than the Yankees dumpster dive specials they have acquired. Cashman is clipping coupons and playing chicken with Scott Boras and Cody. That's our winter, and soon to be a laughable season when the Yankees put a weak lineup on the field and the Blue Jays walk all over the Yankees again.

It's worth mentioning that Dbacks fans are also laughing about adding Jonathan Loaisiga. The former Yankee turned Dback on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training doesn't hurt my feelings but...whatever helps them sleep at night I guess. They can believe I am sad about that along with the rest of Yankeeland. Do we need relievers? Sure we do. Do we need Loaisiga? Not exactly.....but Dbacks fans don't (and can't) understand that.

It's a pretty dark day when the lowly Diamondbacks are making more moves then the Yankees. It's quite the fall from grace. The Yankee identity that once was....is no more unless the Yankees pull their heads out of their asses and prioritize building a REAL roster that can win again.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

LET THE YANKEES BULLPEN BLOW UP BEGIN!

Of the many things that just didn't go right last season, the bullpen was no exception. In hopes that we don't have to relive that experience again, we can rejoice in a brief moment knowing the bullpen is getting a giant makeover. I wonder what the final reveal will look like.

It should be a big change. The Yankees have three 2025 bullpen arms on the free agent market headlined by Devin Williams (Thank goodness for that), Luke Weaver and Jonathan Loaisiga in addition to five non-tendered arms. Now as long as Williams stays far away there should be some big changes coming.

The Yankees non-tendered Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Effross, Ian Hamilton and Jake Cousins, and minor league reliever Michael Arias ahead of the deadline to offer players contracts for 2026.  The Yankees need a major bullpen upgrade heading into next season because we cannot afford to have another repeat of what we just watched.

It's amazing how our offense had high rankings last season like first in runs, home runs and slugging percentage but our bullpen was at the bottom of the dumpster. A season prior the Yankees were sixth best to finishing at 23rd in the majors with a 4.37 ERA. It was a night and day difference that left me screaming at my television night after night.

On the surface, it sounds like a lot of men to replace in the bullpen but it's an addition by subtraction. Especially since I will no longer have to watch Leiter Jr blow a game and won't have to read about him being left off a postseason roster for a third straight season. 

So now Brian Cashman gets to focus on a full scale reclamation project and we get to sit back and hold our breath in terror. Now we just hope that they don't add a bunch of guys that the analytical nerds completely tarnish somehow. It's too bad they didn't release these guys a couple of days ago then they could’ve added some more rule 5 eligible players. 

I guess I have a dose of cynicism today. I'm glad we cut some dead weight, but Cashman's track record doesn't inspire a lot of confidence these days. Now he has plenty more reclamation prospects out there to claim. Let's just hope he doesn't chase after Joey Gallo who is making a comeback as a pitcher. That would be the next terrible nightmare......

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE JONATHAN LOAISIGA UPDATE NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR

Jonathan Loáisiga’s season is officially over — and honestly, it feels like another chapter in the Yankees’ “How Not to Build a Pitching Staff” handbook. The 30-year-old reliever has been sidelined most of the year, and now Aaron Boone confirmed Thursday that Loáisiga won’t throw another pitch in 2025 thanks to a right elbow flexor strain.

The only “good” news? No surgery… at least for now. Loáisiga met with elbow guru Dr. Keith Meister earlier this week, and Boone explained, “He’ll be done for the year, but nothing they have to go intervene on right now.” Translation: the knife stays on the shelf, but we’re not exactly in the clear.

And here’s where it stings: the Yankees really, really needed him. Brian Cashman went all-in on his “bullpen solves everything” philosophy this offseason, but forgot one tiny detail at the trade deadline — we actually needed another starter behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. Instead, we ended up with a warehouse full of closers like it was a Costco sale and the hope that we would have someone like Loáisiga to go multiple innings if we needed. Unsurprisingly, that plan has aged about as well as week-old sushi.

Even worse, this might be the last time we ever see Loáisiga in pinstripes. Injuries have chewed up his prime, and at 30, with a medical chart that looks like a CVS receipt, his future in the Bronx is anything but certain.

Bottom line: the bullpen’s thinner, the rotation’s still a mess, and Cashman’s master plan continues to look like a group project where nobody did the homework. Let's hop home runs get us into the post season, because that's literally all we are relying on right now.

HOLY SCHLITT!

Dayum! Okay, seriously Cam Schlittler did his job in his first Yankees appearance. THAT was an impressive start of 5.1 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, SEVEN strikeouts and a 99 mph laser ball, err I mean fastball. I don't think anyone could have predicted that. The Yankees needed a pick-me-up and good morale boost....and they got it. Now, can we get some more, please?

I have to admit I was pretty frustrated after hearing Clarke Schmidt was lost for the rest of this season and likely next year, too. It was like a punch to the gut. We already lost Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery and now a second Yankee starter is gone. Luis Gil is pitching again and working his way back, we won't see him until next month. We've had enough bad news lately.

But then comes Schlittler, rated the Yankees Number 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline. In 76 2/3 innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset this season, he posted a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts and now he is on the big stage and he just made a strong case to stick around. Here's a reminder - in case you want to watch it again.

Schlittler looked good, damn good. He had a live arm, and I liked how he changed speeds with a curveball, but it needs fine tuning. He will need to develop another secondary pitch to keep lefties off balance. A change up or splitter would be preferable, but a cutter would also do the trick. He just needs another plus pitch to get hitters out. He gave the Mariners a run for their money, but eventually the league will catch on to him or the Yankees will misuse him and those pitches won't be as fast. This is the majors, you can't just rely on the fastball.

Now the question becomes, can the Yankees help develop that secondary pitch this season? I honestly don't know. This is the Yankees we are talking about. Analytically driven (too much) and Aaron Boone manages to screw up anything he touches....or even looks at. So hopefully Matt Blake can develop him instead of tear him down.

Speaking of that over analytically driven bullpen....What the hell was Boone thinking? He took him out with 1 away in the 6th after he blew away a guy with a 99mph fastball. Then he plugs in Jonathan Loaisiga of all people to throw a cookie on first pitch to give the Mariners two runs? Typical Baboonie move. It's a good thing the lead wasn't blown. What a doofus!

It's a win. A well-deserved (and earned) win. Not for nothing.... how can you not LOVE the reaction of Schlittler's family in the stands? That was a moment 15 years in the making, and it should be savored. 

Today was a GREAT day. We need more of these. Way to go, kid. I can't wait to see more.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

ANOTHER AARON BOONE DECISION LOSES GAME FOR YANKS

Here we go again. Another game, another avoidable Yankees loss, and — spoiler alert — another chapter in Aaron Boone’s How Not to Manage a Bullpen masterclass.

The Yankees coughed up a lost to the Sox. A 10-7 win, Yanks lose. Painful? Sure. Predictable? If you’ve watched this team under Boone, absolutely.

Now, let’s be fair: when a pitcher gets the ball, he’s supposed to do his job. If he doesn’t, that’s on him. But let’s zoom out. Because the question isn’t just who blew the game — it’s why was that guy in the game at all?

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ian Hamilton. Your ninth-inning guy....against the Red Sox. Yes, that was the decision Aaron Boone made. And no, it doesn’t make sense.

Hamilton hadn’t pitched in a week. He’s been shaky. Yet Boone tapped him to hold the line in the ninth, and it predictably exploded in his face. Or rather, our faces. Because Yankee fans are the ones paying the price for this recurring nonsense.

FanSided said it best in a scathing and accurate breakdown:

“Hamilton pitched the ninth inning and immediately allowed four straight Red Sox hitters to reach base. Two of those runners scored, turning what was a one-run deficit into a three-run deficit. Hamilton was once an important piece in the Yankees' bullpen, and he hadn't pitched in a week, but using him in that game in that spot is just the latest Aaron Boone blunder.”

Boom. Right there. That’s the story. And that’s the problem.

This isn’t Hamilton hate. The guy has had moments. But managing isn’t just about pulling names from a hat — it’s about context. It’s about feel. It’s about not being completely clueless in high-leverage situations. And yet here we are.

Once again, the Yankees hand Boone a lead, and he returns it gift-wrapped to the opponent like a confused mall Santa in July.

We’ve been down this road before. We screamed about it last October when Boone trotted Nestor Cortes out to face Freddie Freeman with runners on and no bullets left. That wasn’t Year 1 Boone. That was Year 6 Boone. And it was still a total disaster.

So fast forward to last night. With the bullpen available, why was Ian Hamilton the choice? Jonathan Loáisiga likely wasn’t an option after back-to-back outings. Fine. But Devin Williams? He threw 14 pitches the night before. Fernando Cruz? Just 9 pitches.

And you’re telling me they were both down? In a one-run game? Against Boston?

Give me a break.

There’s no guarantee they would’ve shut the door, but the odds were infinitely better than running a rusty Hamilton out there cold. This wasn’t complicated. This wasn’t 4D chess. This was “Who’s my best arm tonight?” and Boone somehow forgot the entire board.

And here’s the part that blows my mind: where is the outrage?

Where are the other Yankees blogs? The analysts? The media members? Why aren’t more people calling this out?

The man is bad at this. Full stop. And every loss like this one is a reminder that a different manager might have this team in first place instead of floating in mediocrity. The margins matter. And Boone is consistently on the wrong side of them.

And don’t even get me started on the postgame pressers. You want professionalism from your manager? Boone was literally picking his teeth while talking to reporters after the game.

 

We’re not making this up. The Yankees are bleeding and this dude’s flossing on camera.

It’s embarrassing.

At some point, the Yankees’ front office has to recognize what’s painfully obvious to the rest of us: this team will never win a championship with Aaron Boone as the manager.

You want to beat Boston? Win a division? Hoist a trophy in October?

You don’t do it with a guy who thinks “rested and rusty” is a bullpen strategy.

Tonight is a must-win as far as I'm concerned. The series is still within reach. But if Boone keeps rolling out the wrong guy at the wrong time, this team will keep losing games it should win.

And when that happens — again — don’t blame the bullpen.

Blame the guy picking his teeth in the dugout while the season goes down the drain.

That’s the bottom line.

A LOAISIGA UPDATE YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

Jonathan Loaisiga is back — and he's throwing darts.

The righty flamethrower took the mound for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, making his first appearance at that level this season, and he didn’t waste time reminding everyone what he’s capable of. Loaisiga breezed through two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and punching out two. That’s what you call efficient dominance.

Before that, he got his feet wet with three games in Single-A, where he struck out seven batters in just 3.1 innings, surrendering only two hits and one run. Nothing like mowing down some Single-A hopefuls to get your groove back.

It’s been a long road for Loaisiga, who missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. Instead of undergoing the traditional Tommy John surgery, Loaisiga opted for an internal brace procedure — think of it as Tommy John’s less dramatic cousin — with a recovery window of 10–12 months. He also dealt with a flexor strain, just to keep things spicy.

But now he’s back, he’s healthy, and perhaps most importantly, he’s re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year deal with a club option for 2026. For a bullpen that’s been teetering a bit too close to chaos — especially with Devin Williams going through it — Loaisiga’s return could be just what the Bronx ordered.

Armed with a power sinker and nerves of steel, Loaisiga offers both versatility and firepower. He’s been a multi-inning weapon in the past, and if he can recapture his pre-injury form, the Yankees may have just found the bullpen boost they’ve been desperately needing.

So, here’s to Jonathan Loaisiga — healthy, hurling, and hopefully here to stay. Bronx faithful, you’ve got one more reason to smile.

A DEVIN WILLIAMS REPLACEMENT COULD BE HAPPENING

So… is it safe to say the Devin Williams experiment is starting to feel more like a failed science fair project? You know, the kind where the volcano doesn’t erupt, the judges smile politely, and your mom says “you tried your best” on the drive home. I mean seriously, we should’ve known something was off when the man put more fight into saving his beard than saving games. Priorities, Devin!

Look, I’m not here to coddle feelings—this is Bleeding Yankee Blue, not a group therapy session. And I’m just being honest when I say Williams is giving off big “not built for the Bronx” energy. Maybe it’s the soft vibes, maybe it’s the 9.00 ERA in eight games, or maybe it’s that ninth-inning implosion against Tampa where he coughed up a four-run lead like it was a hairball. Whatever it is, it ain’t inspiring confidence.

Now, the Yankees are still doing the whole “let’s be patient” routine. Sure, let’s all hold hands and wait while Williams rediscovers his “airbender” pitch—currently missing more action than a Mets playoff appearance. But here’s the thing: the Bronx isn’t exactly the most forgiving place to “figure it out.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz is over here making hitters look foolish with his elite splitter. The guy’s struck out 19 in just 12 innings, and he doesn’t even have to bring drama with it. No beard debates, no excuses, just straight filth. Yeah, he can’t go multiple innings, but neither can Williams—at least not without heart palpitations from the fanbase.

Oh, and let’s not forget Jonathan Loáisiga, who’s lurking in the shadows like Batman. He’s throwing live BP down in Tampa and creeping toward a return. If he gets healthy, suddenly Williams isn’t just looking over his shoulder—he’s looking at the bullpen door closing behind him.

Still, if we’re talking about the next closer in line, I’ve got two words for you: Luke. Weaver. I’ve been pounding this drum louder than John Sterling on a home run call. The guy shows up, shuts up, works hard, and owns his outings like a grown-up. Even when his velocity dipped, he kept dealing. That’s what a Yankee closer should be—not someone who needs a pep talk and a beard stylist after every outing.

Don’t get me wrong, Cruz in the ninth would be wild and probably a little fun. But to me, the pecking order is clear: Weaver closes, Cruz sets up, and Devin either figures it out fast or waits in the car.  

At the end of the day, this isn’t personal. It’s just baseball in New York. You either handle the heat or you’re off the stove. And right now, Williams is looking like lukewarm leftovers.

AND YET ANOTHER YANKEE PITCHER IS OUT!

Alright, let’s just put it out there—what in the actual hell is happening to the Yankees? Are they cursed? Did someone anger the baseball gods? Did Aaron Boone break a mirror in the clubhouse? Because at this point, we’re running out of rational explanations for why the Yankees' roster looks like a M.A.S.H. unit before the season has even started.

You already know about Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Giancarlo Stanton—because of course, Giancarlo Stanton. But if you happened to check out my earlier piece, GEEZ, HAVE YOU SEEN THE YANKEES "INJURED LIST" LATELY? from March 4th, you’d know that the injury bug isn’t just nibbling at the Yankees—it’s feasting on them like it’s at an all-you-can-eat buffet. And now, as if we needed more, Mark Leiter Jr. joins the list! Hooray!

Leiter was supposed to pitch Thursday against the Tigers, but, oh no—he felt something in his back. And in classic Yankees fashion, the team decided to play it safe. He’s now scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday. So, you know what that means? Expect him on the IL by Tuesday!

And then there’s Aaron Boone. The human embodiment of “everything is fine” while the Yankees’ roster crumbles around him. Here’s what he had to say about Leiter: “It wasn’t anything huge, I think he just wanted to be safe with it.” Oh, okay. So, totally not a big deal, right? Just like all the other injuries that start as “nothing huge” and then suddenly become “he’ll be back in six months, hopefully”. Boone either has no idea what’s going on with his players or he’s just trained to downplay everything to keep us from full-blown panic. Either way, it’s exhausting.

But wait, there’s more! Because of course, there is. The Yankees are already juggling injuries to Scott Effross (hamstring strain), Jake Cousins (forearm strain), and Tyler Matzek (oblique strain). Oh, and don’t forget about Jonathan Loáisiga, who is still building back from elbow surgery and probably won’t see the mound until late May or early June.

So, I ask again—why is this happening at an alarming rate? Bad luck? A terrible strength and conditioning program? Overtraining? Undertraining? Are the Yankees holding secret underground sumo wrestling tournaments in the offseason?

It’s a vicious cycle: guys get hurt, other players “step up” and overexert themselves, and then—surprise!—they get hurt too. And no one seems to be doing anything about it! It’s beyond frustrating at this point.

At some point, someone in the Yankees' front office needs to stop shrugging and actually take a hard look at why half the team is always in traction. Until then, I guess we’ll just keep watching the injury list grow and wonder who’s next.

Because let’s be real—someone is definitely next.

SPRING TRAINING IS FINALLY HERE, OR SO THE CALENDAR SAYS

Source: USA Today Sports

The 2024 season is behind us... yes really. This week, pitchers and catchers will report to Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues to get ready for the 2025 baseball season. And all is well in the universe. Yet, here I sit in my pajamas on cold winter's morning, with snow on the ground, and ice on the roof on Super Bowl Sunday. Guess what? I am not happy. I don't feel ready. And I feel like all the groundhogs on this earth are against me. And here's a big reveal: this is the first baseball season I start as a Dodger-hater. Perhaps that is enough heat to melt all of the ice and snow around me. But I am sure the Yankees are faring much better in sunny Florida. And the calendar days ahead will make them the team to beat this year.

"Pitchers and catchers report to spring training a few days before the rest of their teams, allowing hurlers a bit more time to get their arms stretched out. This year, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are playing two regular season games in Tokyo the week before opening day proper, and will get an even earlier start for spring training," reported USA Today. 

Source: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

And for the Yankees, they will have closer Devin Williams with them along with high leverage reliever Luke Weaver and their established player Jonathan Loaisiga hopes to return to his past form after longstanding injuries and UCL surgery. All this and more beginning Feb. 12th. That's this week! Even though we have about three more winter storms ahead. 

The Yankees have upgraded their infield with MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and maybe they will be able to bring in his counterpart at third base with Nolan Arenado. Aaron Judge will have his new baby daughter likely dressed in pinstripes this season- maybe she brings that extra magic the Yankees need for a championship. I am trying to find optimism in everything. 

Source: CNN

As the final days of the off season close out, the anticipation for baseball is great. The Yankees have all the chance in the world to look and feel like champions. It is a fresh start, with a new team. Once that Super Bowl clock winds down, it's officially baseball season. The memories of 2024 are dwindling and the opportunities for 2025 are mounting. Now if the snow can just melt already, and we can rip off the final days of winter from the calendar, the Yankees can begin their road to the Fall Classic. 

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

DO THE YANKEES HAVE THE MAGIC TOUCH?

Source: NY Times

Gleyber Torres to the Tigers earlier this week was a bittersweet move. He'd be hot, but then he was not and his defensive acumen is extremely weak. So as position players leave and new ones enter through the Stadium turnstile, the question I have for all of you as we move toward our last few days of 2024, do the Yankees have the magic touch for what's ahead in 2025? Or do they need more?

Besides moving ahead with key acquisitions for first base, outfield and starting pitching, the Yankees have some bull pen needs to round things out. Last season, the Yankees bull pen had the magic touch until it didn't. This year, there can be no holes, no flaws if they want to be all in. According to SI.com, "The free agent market for relief pitching always moves slow on an annual basis but should begin to heat up once January and February roll around." Who can bring that magic to the Yankees?

The Yankees added right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz in a trade with the Reds which sent Jose Trevino to Cincinnati. They also picked up Devin Williams from the Brewers in a trade that sent Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee. The Yankees will get Jonathan Loáisiga back as well come February. But they need likely more depth to get the finish line first.

According to Newsweek, "New York could look to add more to the bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley being the top option potentially available. The Yankees could attempt to center a trade around Marcus Stroman, although St. Louis has reportedly declined a Stroman for Nolan Arenado deal." Analysts say that adding Helsley and perhaps his teammate Miles Mikolas could give the Yankees what they need. In fact, that could be the exclamation point. 

"Helsley is a two-time All-Star and the reigning Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. He will be a free agent after this season. Helsley is one of the few players in the league who could give the Yankees an actual decision to make at closer. Devin Williams is also a two-time All-Star and a two-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year. Having both guys in the bullpen would make the Yankees nearly untouchable in close games. Mikolas is also a two-time All-Star. He had a down year last season, but the Yankees could hope to help him reach his All-Star form again," reported Sporting News.

Magic Touch or confidence? I think it is a bit of both. And with that bit of both, the Yankees can be the team to beat in 2025. Let's see what the New Year rings in and then see how things progress leading into a very much anticipated Spring Training. And let's hope that Aaron Boone doesn't mess things up. 

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

WE GOT ONE OF OUR FAVES BACK!

The Yankees have made a significant move by signing right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga to a one-year deal, and I persoally couldn’t be more excited. Loáisiga, now 30, began his professional journey with the Giants as an international free agent in 2012, but it's with the Yankees where he has truly made his mark. This deal represents not only a chance for Loáisiga to reestablish himself as one of the game’s most effective relievers but also an opportunity for the Yankees to bolster a bullpen that has seen some key departures.

This offseason, the Yankees lost several reliable relievers, including Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill. Loáisiga now steps into a bullpen that desperately needs high-leverage arms alongside Luke Weaver and Ian Hamilton. Brian Cashman will likely continue adding depth, but the signing of Loáisiga is a crucial step in filling the void.

When healthy, Loáisiga has been nothing short of electric. Since his MLB debut in 2018, he has put together a solid career, boasting a 19-11 record, a 3.44 ERA, and 207 strikeouts in 219.2 regular-season innings. His standout year came in 2021 when he was a dominant force, going 9-4 with a dazzling 2.17 ERA across 70.2 innings. Though injuries have limited him at times, there's no denying the immense potential he brings when he's on the mound.

This one-year deal feels like the perfect opportunity for both Loáisiga and the Yankees. For Jonathan, it’s a chance to prove he’s still a top-tier reliever and to earn his well-deserved break. For the Yankees, it’s a low-risk, high-reward signing that could pay massive dividends in a bullpen needing stability. Here’s hoping Loáisiga dominates in 2024 and reminds everyone just how special he can be. He’s earned this chance, and we’re rooting for him all the way!

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