DODGERS SPENDING HABITS ARE TOO MUCH FOR THE YANKEES

Could it be possible that the spotlight of evil is off the Yankees? The Athletic thinks so. In fact their quote is this, "Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast." Yes, maybe, and eventually they have to pay up. I feel like they just keep racking in the "Bobby Bonillas". In case you don't know, this was the contract the New York Mets agreed on in order to bring in and eventually cut Bonilla back in 2001. He is paid every July 1 through 2035. The Dodgers have a few of those kinds of contracts. In fact, "The Dodgers have committed nearly a half-billion in guaranteed dollars to players this offseason, second only to the New York Mets, who signed Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal." So it is safe to say that the Dodgers spending habits are wide and deep, perhaps too deep for the Yankees.

According to The Athletic, "This winter, the Dodgers made the following big-money signings: Lefty starting pitcher Blake Snell, five years, $182 million; lefty reliever Tanner Scott, four years, $72 million; outfielder Teoscar Hernández, three years, $66 million; righty reliever Blake Treinen, two years, $22 million; outfielder Michael Conforto, one year, $17 million; and infielder Hyeseong Kim, three years, $12.5 million. They also landed Japanese free-agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, the most coveted international prospect of the winter." This is in addition of course to Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, must I go on? You can see the whole payroll here.

But the Yankees haven't been quiet in the off season. They have made some upgrades for sure. But not quite at the expense that the Dodgers have. They have picked up starting pitcher Max Fried, veteran first base man Paul Goldschmidt, outfield Cody Bellinger and likely the best closer in the game right now in Devin Williams. Yet, still, the Death Star march plays for the Dodgers who have positioned themselves as not only the team to beat but the team to hate.

What likely adds salt to the Yankees wounds is that the Dodgers are favored to repeat in 2025, perhaps a rematch in the Fall Classic with their rival Bombers. But I think Hal Steinbrenner has the right mindset here, “They still have to have a season relatively injury-free for it to work out for them, and it’s a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We’ve seen that time and time again. We’ll see who’s there at the end.” He's right. The season is unforgiving. And injuries are inevitable. It is about who is left standing at the end. And this year, the Yankees hope it's them and that they have done enough.

With Spring Training only a few weeks away, the anticipation for the new season is high. Will the Yankees start early and stay strong? My prediction is yes. They have a good start; they lead the East through the All-Star Break, and they have a heck of half of a season. But guess what, so do the Dodgers. So, then it really comes down to do the dollar pay for endurance and greatness? We shall see. It will be interesting to watch what money can pay for. 

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

DODGERS SIGN YET ANOTHER RELIABLE ARM FOR THEIR ALREADY STELLAR TEAM

The Los Angeles Dodgers are at it again, like that one kid in your neighborhood Monopoly game who buys every property, throws down hotels, and then has the audacity to shrug when everyone else is bankrupt. This offseason, they're not just trying to win—they’re trying to assemble the Avengers of MLB. And sure, if it’s within the rules, there’s technically nothing wrong with it. But let’s be real: it’s absolutely infuriating.

Their latest moves? Signing lefty ace Tanner Scott for a cool four years and $72 million, and following that up by snagging Kirby Yates, one of 2024’s best relievers. Because, apparently, having a bullpen that’s merely excellent wasn’t enough. Oh, and don’t forget the rest of their historic offseason shopping spree: Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernández (re-signed), Michael Conforto, Hyeseong Kim, and Blake Treinen (also re-signed). At this point, the only thing missing is Shohei Ohtani pitching one inning while playing center field in the next.

But let’s focus on Sasaki for a second—because that one has rival execs lighting up group chats with conspiracy theories. The whispers are deafening: was there a pre-existing deal between Sasaki and the Dodgers? Was MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred asleep at the wheel? Rival teams are livid, and frankly, they’ve got a point. Sasaki’s decision supposedly “came down” to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays, but everyone with a pulse knew this was ending in Dodger blue. And then, just hours after signing Sasaki, they drop the Tanner Scott deal. Coincidence? Yeah, and I’m a Cy Young contender.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ rotation now looks like it was assembled in a video game, their bullpen is untouchable, and the rest of the league is left trying to figure out how to even compete. It’s like the rich kid showed up to the sandlot with a golden bat and hired a personal trainer just to flex on everyone else.

The Dodgers are ruining baseball. Sure, they’re technically playing by the rules, but when the rules let you stockpile talent like you’re hoarding limited-edition sneakers, maybe it’s time for a rulebook rewrite. Until then, the rest of us will be here, rolling our eyes, praying for an underdog miracle, and watching the Dodgers parade their All-Star roster like a kid showing off his Pokémon card collection. It’s getting old, L.A. Seriously.

HOG DODGERS BUY ANOTHER TOP PITCHER

The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with free agent closer Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal, according to Jeff Passan. 

Scott, who was traded to the Padres at the deadline, posted a 1.75 ERA and 2.92 FIP between the two clubs. The Dodgers reportedly had Scott as one of their top targets this offseason.

Bob Nightengale mentions that the Boston Red Sox offered Scott more years at a higher average annual value than the Dodgers, but he chose LA instead. Scott's deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred payments, a structure the Dodgers have employed in several deals this offseason, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The addition of Scott likely marks the conclusion of another busy offseason for the reigning World Series champions. Before signing Scott, the Dodgers added Blake Snell, one of the top starters on the market; re-signed Teoscar Hernandez; signed Michael Conforto to solidify the corner outfield; brought in Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim, extended Tommy Edman; and, in one of the off-season's most significant moves, attracted phenom Roki Sasaki.

While the Yankees were once considered the "Evil Empire" for their lavish spending, the current state of the Dodgers' financial muscle raises eyebrows in my opinion. The sheer amount of money they can spend on players seems unbelievably unbalanced compared to the rest of Major League Baseball. It's almost a monopoly. It's almost sickening. It's almost curious how it's being managed.

In fact, the Dodgers' financial maneuvers could be considered suspicious in my eyes as they continue to outbid and outmaneuver other teams. Their ability to consistently secure top talent is both impressive and perplexing, leading some to question how they manage their finances. It's nuts.

As you know, Tanner Scott was loosely connected to the Yankees, with Bleeding Yankee Blue recently writing about him in an article titled MOMENTUM COULD BE BUILDING ON TANNER SCOTT. However, just hours later, reports surfaced that the Yankees were more focused on Andrew Chafin than on Scott. 

Whatever the case, the Dodgers' dominance in the market is ridiculous. Wow.

THE DODGERS ARE THE NEW EVIL EMPIRE? NOT SO FAST

First, they signed Roki Sasaki. Then came Blake Snell. Next, they brought back Teoscar Hernández. And just when you thought they were done, they went and signed Hyeseong Kim—prompting most fans to Google "Who is Hyeseong Kim?" only to get mad when they realized he was now a Dodger. The reaction across the league? "This is over. It's unfair. One team shouldn't be allowed to sign all the stars!"

If you’re a Yankees fan, this panic should feel eerily familiar. Sound like 1998 to you? The 2024 Dodgers might look like the ’98 Yankees, but they’ve got a bit of the ‘96 Braves in them too—those Braves who boasted a rotation that could strike fear into anyone: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. A trio so good, they seemed invincible in a short series. Well, until they weren’t. The Yankees knocked them off. Repeatedly.

The '98 Yankees were a different beast altogether, one of the greatest teams ever assembled. With 114 wins in the regular season and a postseason that ended with them at a ridiculous 125-50 record, they were a juggernaut. Their ERA? Sixth best in baseball. Their runs scored. League-leading. This wasn’t just a team—it was a finely-tuned, record-smashing machine.

Now, back to the Dodgers. Their roster? It’s a veritable who’s who of baseball talent. Their rotation? Strong enough that their sixth starter might be better than some teams’ aces. Their payroll? The kind of money that makes other teams weep. But before you throw in the towel, remember this: baseball is wonderfully, maddeningly unpredictable.

The 1996-2000 Yankees were a masterclass in smart team building. They built up to it by nailing their drafts, grabbing Derek Jeter early and finding gems like Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte in the later rounds. They scoured the globe for hidden talent, unearthing Mariano Rivera, and pulled off clever trades like the one that brought Paul O’Neill to the Bronx. Scott Brosius was plucked off the A's bench—no one thought that move was season-defining, but it was.

Clemens joining the squad in 1999 as the moment the Yankees became the baseball equivalent of a Death Star. 

By the early 2000s, the Yankees shifted from precision to sheer accumulation. Jason Giambi.

But back to 1996 for a second, the Yankee build up to their run.  The 1996 Braves were untouchable—until they weren’t. The 2003 Yankees were packed with talent, but they fell to the plucky, wildcard Marlins. Even the Dodgers, for all their might, are vulnerable. Just like the Braves were dethroned by a scrappy, cobbled-together Yankees team in '96, the Dodgers can be beaten.

Yes, the Dodgers have it all: chemistry, depth, star power, and enough financial firepower to outbid anyone. But so did the ’96 Braves. And we all know how that story ended. The season’s not over until the final out. And in baseball, any team can have its Cinderella moment.

So go ahead, be mad at the Dodgers for doing what every team dreams of—stockpiling stars like it's a Black Friday sale. But keep rooting for your team. Because this is baseball, and in baseball, anything can happen. Just ask the ’96 Braves. Or the 2003 Yankees or even the 2001 Yanks. Sometimes, the Goliaths fall. And that’s what keeps the game so exhilarating.

By the way, shout out to Yanks go Yard for keeping us all thinking about stuff like this. Good Article.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

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.

THAT TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ RUMOR THAT WON'T GO AWAY

Guess who's making the rounds in the MLB rumor mill again? Yep, Teoscar Hernández. And if this feels like déjà vu, it’s because Bleeding Yankee Blue called it weeks ago, read TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ: A TERRIFIC PLAN B. Now, the chatter is louder than ever, with Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh adding fuel to the fire.

According to Stumbaugh, Hernández might not be heading back to the Dodgers, as many assumed. The reason? Some heavy hitters are entering the fray, including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cincinnati Reds. Yes, folks, the Yankees are apparently sniffing around, and honestly, this rumor has legs.

Let’s break it down. Right now, the Yankees' outfield looks like this: Jasson Dominguez, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger. Sounds solid, right? Well, hold up. While Dominguez is hyped to the moon (and us Yankee fans are here for it), he’s still an unproven commodity in the big leagues. Adding Hernández to the mix would bring a steady, proven bat and glove—something the Yankees could really use instead of banking on Dominguez’s potential alone.

But hey, I get it. Yankee fans have been salivating over Dominguez for what feels like forever. The kid is the Martian, after all, and there’s a real thrill in watching homegrown talent thrive. Personally? I say give Dominguez his shot. But if the front office decides to play it safe with Hernández, I wouldn’t blame them either.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Hernández is reportedly looking for a three-year deal worth $66–$72 million, according to Ken Rosenthal. For context, Anthony Santander is out here asking for $100 million, which, let’s be real, feels like Monopoly money at this point.

The Yankees have a big decision to make. Do they roll the dice on Dominguez and hope the hype train stays on track? Or do they pony up for Hernández, a player who could immediately stabilize their outfield and add pop to the lineup?

One thing’s for sure: if this deal goes down it will be the most incredible Yankee off season since George Steinbrenner were alive.

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.

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF AARON JUDGE

Aaron Judge is not just a slugger. He is the whole package. We all know this. But the national audience might not know how incredible of an outfielder Judge is. That's why the Fox Sports announcers called out his expertise in the Dodgers-Yankees game last night. We are so fortunate as Yankee fans to see this guy night after night and be a part of what I am calling the Magical World of Aaron Judge.

Judge gave the national audience and all of Dodger Stadium a show in the Yankee 6-3 win on Saturday. In the bottom of the 8th,  Aaron Judge made an incredible catch out in right field to rob JD Martinez of a game tying home run. He tracked it, and caught it while plowing through the fencing in the outfield. This after he cracked a solo home run earlier in the game. 

ESPN Tweeted simply "He is Superman." When this guy takes off and tracks the ball, you know he is going to catch it. He's amazing. In fact he dazzled fans in T-Mobile Park earlier this week saving Teoscar Hernández's fly ball from sailing over the fence. Judge stated later that this catch in Seattle might be the best one of his career. 

"This was the second time on the Yankees’ road trip where Judge homered and made a miraculous catch in the same game. Judge belted two home runs in the Yankees’ 10-4 blowout win over the Mariners on Tuesday," reported The New York Post.

This Yankee team is fun to watch. As much as the injuries and the quiet bats drive me crazy we have to remember we have one of the best players in baseball killing himself every night for this team. He brings passion, persistence and consistency to this team. And his magic is contagious to his teammates, media that cover the Yankees and we as fans. Let's hope he and his team can bring some magic into the rubber game tomorrow.

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

THE YANKEES INJURY BUS IS GETTING FULL

Enough with the injuries. Everyone's getting hurt. Except for Giancarlo Stanton, which is crazy to me, but whatever.

The latest few victims are Justin Wilson and Asher Wojciechowski. I hate when pitchers get hurt, and it's happening a lot lately. Just recently it was Zack Britton. It sucks.

The New York Post writes: 

"Injuries aren’t good at any time, but particularly not right at the end of spring training. Southpaw reliever Justin Wilson left Monday’s game with left shoulder tightness, and is set for an MRI exam Tuesday morning. Wilson’s fastball velocity was slightly down, but that can vary game-to-game in spring training under normal circumstances. Boone said Wilson “had a hard time getting loose” and that “there’s a chance it might not be that big a deal.” Given that the Yankees are already missing Zack Britton, losing another high-leverage reliever could be a substantial challenge to overcome."

And then of course there's Asher Wojciechowski. WFAN writes about him and his lat:

"Asher Wojciechowski left Sunday’s Yankees-Blue Jays game in the bottom of the seventh inning after feeling something in his right lat muscle. With one out in the seventh, Wojciechowski immediately reached for his right arm near his bicep after throwing a 1-0 pitch to Teoscar Hernandez.

Wojciechowski, 32, was a non-roster invitee to Yankees camp after signing a minor-league deal this winter. "

The Yankees are dealing with a lot, but they are winning and ultimately are looking good, but injury can kill a franchise... and we have to figure out why this is happening so often.