MARTINEZ TO YANKS: "DONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE"

I’ve been on the J.D. Martinez beat for days now, folks. It feels like every insider with a keyboard and WiFi has something to say about the Yankees potentially signing him as a "short-term" fill-in for Giancarlo Stanton. I respect the buzz. Here's another one.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter is throwing his prediction hat in the ring, suggesting Martinez will ditch the Mets and head to the Bronx. Look, I can "predict" Anthony Rizzo will be a player-coach for the Yankees, but unless Brian Cashman has a crystal ball, we’re all just guessing.

Now, let’s get to the facts. Jon Heyman of the New York Post says the Yankees have indeed been in contact with Martinez. Reuter takes it a step further, saying, "Don't be surprised if a deal gets done in the near future." Okay, I won’t be surprised, but I also won’t be holding my breath either.

Martinez wasn’t exactly tearing it up last year with the Mets. A .235 average with a .725 OPS isn’t setting the world on fire. Still, the guy put up 16 homers and 69 RBIs, so he’s not exactly washed. 

CBS Sports' Mike Axisa chimed in, saying, "Martinez is close to a 1-to-1 replacement for Stanton as a righty-hitting DH." I mean, sure, on paper. But we all know the Yankees don’t do "simple" when it comes to roster moves, but I like Axisa so here's the shoutout.

So, will Martinez be wearing pinstripes by tomorrow? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure: the rumor mill never sleeps, and I’ll be here to report every twist and turn. Stay tuned.

STROMAN'S STARTER STANCE DOESN'T GEL WITH SUNDAY'S BAD OUTING

Marcus Stroman has made it clear—he’s a starter. No debate. But if you take a stance that strong, you better back it up. Unfortunately, Sunday's outing against the Braves did little to silence the skeptics.

Heading into spring training without a guaranteed spot, the Yankees are giving Stroman a chance to prove himself. However, after Sunday’s brutal 11-1 loss to Atlanta, doubts about his future in the rotation only intensified.

Stroman’s struggles began early. After allowing a hard-hit line drive for the first out, he served up back-to-back home runs to Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the first inning. His biggest issue? Too many pitches left up in the zone, a mistake Atlanta’s hitters didn’t let slide.

Pinstripes Nation summed it up perfectly: "It’s becoming increasingly clear that Stroman’s success depends on keeping the ball on the ground. When Atlanta got pitches to hit in the middle of the plate, they didn’t miss."

The outing didn’t get much better. Boone pulled Stroman after just 2.2 innings and 43 pitches. By that point, though, the damage was done, and Atlanta cruised the rest of the way. The Yankees’ bullpen didn’t fare much better, getting knocked around in what turned into a forgettable day for the team.

Despite the rough start, Stroman has a real opportunity to solidify himself in the Yankees’ rotation, especially with injuries to Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. He’s been adamant that he’s a starter and isn’t backing down from that belief. Credit to him for standing his ground.

Still, baseball is a results-driven business. The Playoffs put it bluntly: "MLB is a ruthless business. Teams will toss a player aside in a heartbeat if it suits them (just as the Yankees were planning to do), so if you don’t look out for yourself, you’ll get crushed. Marcus Stroman is simply ensuring that doesn’t happen."

That’s the reality. Now, Stroman needs to clean up his mistakes and prove he belongs. His next start will be crucial. One bad outing doesn’t define a pitcher, but in New York, the margin for error is razor-thin especially when it comes to Stroman right now.

Let’s see what happens next.

REAL TALK! WE HAVE A NEW NAME TO REPLACE DJ LEMAHIEU

What I feared would happen, did happen and it is unfortunate. It didn't take long for another injury bug to bite DJ LeMahieu. Only the second at-bat of spring and he has a calf injury. I swear if he didn't have bad luck, he would have no luck at all.

 I have been worried that the Yankees would rely on DJ to be healthy and just go into the season with the plan that he would be the everyday third basemen, read LATEST BOONE BABBLE MEANS THE YANKEES HAVE PICKED THEIR THIRD BASEMAN. We knew it was risky given his injury history and here we are. So now what? That's a really good question.

The media is all over this competition between Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera, but I'm not sold on either of this for an everyday option until DJ comes back. We don't know how long that will be and history shows that could be a LONG time. This is what I wanted to avoid. No offense to either of these guys, but I don't see Cabrera as an every day guy for us, he's more of a bench player and Peraza just isn't ready.

We've seen Cabrera and we know what his strengths and weaknesses are. Peraza on the other hand, he doesn't have the same amount of experience, and he's also out of minor league options. I think Peraza has a lot of potential, I'm just concerned with his plate discipline. He hasn't learned that patience at the plate is a virtue, he has a low 6.4% walk rate and high 29.6% chase rate. He's shown progress with the bat early in camp with a .333 BA, but that is a small sample size so far. We all know how fast that can change in a long season. I like how he's looked so far but.....have we seen enough to go all in?

I can't confidently say yes. So who else is out there? Ke'Bryan Hayes in Pittsburgh. I have to admit Michael Kay had an interesting idea on his show back in January, check it out HERE.

"Ke'Bryan Hayes is a defensive magician at third base," Kay said on Jan. 15. "His hitting is not what it should be, but he's obviously not happy in Pittsburgh. I talked to Charlie when the Yankees were in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, and he was like scratching his head about some of the things they do in Pittsburgh with the hitters. Whatever the case may be, if I'm the Yankees, I'm calling the Pirates and go, 'What do you want?'"

Rumor has it, his father former MLB player himself, Charlie Hayes is not satisfied with his progression in Pittsburgh. Kay is right, Hayes hitting is not what is should be but maybe the Yankees can help him find his swing. He's defensively sound at third, so this could be a low risk high reward scenario. Maybe. Another plus for Hayes, he's affordable. He's owed $70 million between now and when he becomes a free agent in 2030. That's a long time of team control. It can't hurt for Brian Cashman to pick up the phone and just start the conversation.

At this point, the Yankees need to consider all alternatives, especially new blood. I wish things were different with DJ, he used to be a good hitter and an impact player for our team. We can't rely on ANYONE anymore and then hope things work out for the best. We can't wait around for DJ to be healthy again.....be smart Yankees.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THAT TIME WADE BOGGS PITCHED

Yes, you heard that right.

Wade Boggs is a baseball legend—one of the best hitters to ever step up to the plate. The man was an absolute machine with a bat in his hands, racking up hit after hit for years in the major leagues. And, of course, his dominance landed him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 on his very first ballot. But while everyone knows Boggs could hit, did you know he also had a secret weapon? A knuckleball.

For years, Boggs dreamed of taking the mound in a real MLB game, reports are he was always bugging his managers to let him pitch and even showing off his surprisingly wicked knuckleball in warmups. But, of course, when you're one of the greatest players in the game, teams tend to prefer keeping you in your usual spot. That all changed on August 19, 1997.

The Yankees were getting walloped by the Angels, trailing 12-4 in the eighth inning. With a doubleheader coming up the next day and the bullpen running on fumes, manager Joe Torre knew he needed a position player to finish things off. His first thought was Charlie Hayes, but the Yankees players had a different idea—they wanted to see Boggs' infamous knuckleball in action. Torre hesitated. This was Wade Boggs, a future Hall of Famer, a hitting savant—was it really right to send him to the mound in an eight-run blowout?

The answer? Yes please.

Boggs finally got his shot, stepping onto the mound with the confidence of a seasoned pitcher. And guess what? He absolutely delivered. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing no hits, walking just one batter, and even striking out Todd Greene swinging to end the frame. That knuckleball? It danced. The ballpark may not have been packed with tension, but for Boggs, it was a moment of pure baseball magic.

And that wasn’t the last time Boggs took the hill. Two years later, in 1999, now playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, he got another chance to pitch when his team was on the wrong side of a 17-1 rout against the Orioles. Tampa Bay manager Larry Rothschild didn't think twice. "There wasn't much of a choice. It was going to be a position player, and Wade had done it before. He throws a knuckleball, so I don't worry as much about him hurting his arm."

After his pitching debut in 1997, Boggs had said: "It's something I've always wanted to do in my career, and I never really had the opportunity. Then I started feeling like Phil Niekro. I was Phil Niekro and Charlie Hough all rolled into one. It was great. I was glad it worked out."

Wade Boggs wasn’t just a Hall of Fame hitter; he was a guy who loved baseball with every fiber of his being. 

Whether he was lining doubles into the gap or floating knuckleballs past unsuspecting hitters, he made the game fun. And let’s be honest—how many Hall of Fame hitters can also say they’ve struck out a batter in a major league game? 

Just another reason Wade Boggs is one of the all-time greats.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

SPINELESS MANFRED MAY FINALLY DO WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE DONE WHEN ROSE WAS ALIVE

Pete Rose was a baseball player unlike any other—a man whose grit, passion, and relentless work ethic turned him into the greatest hitter the game has ever seen. The numbers don’t lie: 4,256 hits, an MVP award, three batting titles, and three World Series championships. He was the heart and soul of the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine, a dynasty that dominated the 1970s. Rose played with an intensity that set him apart, diving headfirst into bases, refusing to take a play off, and inspiring a generation of baseball fans, myself included.

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, and like so many others, I fell in love with Pete Rose and the way he played the game. He wasn't just another player; he was the embodiment of everything baseball was supposed to be—gritty, relentless, passionate. It wasn’t until I moved to New Jersey in 1978 and witnessed Ron Guidry’s 18-strikeout masterpiece that I found my team in the Yankees, but my admiration for Rose never wavered. He was still the player I idolized, the player who made me believe in baseball.

And yet, despite everything he gave to the game, despite all the records he shattered, Major League Baseball turned its back on him.

Let’s be clear—Pete Rose made mistakes. He gambled on baseball, a violation of one of the sport’s cardinal rules. But he never did anything to diminish his effort or his performance on the field. And for that, he was banished from the sport he helped define, denied the one honor he undoubtedly deserved—a place in the Hall of Fame.

For years, he sought redemption. He acknowledged his wrongdoing. He served his time. He waited for baseball to come to its senses. But Rob Manfred, the commissioner who has done more to damage Major League Baseball than any man before him, refused to reinstate Rose while he was alive. Manfred, in all his cowardice, dodged the responsibility, claiming he would “mull it over” but never actually doing a damn thing. It wasn’t until the President of the United States suggested pardoning Rose that articles even started to circulate about Manfred reconsidering. And now, Pete Rose is gone. Dead. Probably of a broken heart, after being cast aside by the very game he gave everything to.

And now, after years of ignoring Rose, Manfred is supposedly considering lifting his ban posthumously. What a gutless, empty gesture. It would have meant something if they had done it when he was alive, when he could have maybe one day stood on that stage in Cooperstown and received the honor he fought for his entire life. But now? Now it’s just another example of baseball’s spineless leadership under Manfred.  But here's the worst part of reinstating Rose. Even if he is reinstated by Manfred, the baseball writers, who let guys in like Harold Baines before they'd ever let in Alex Rodriguez would cockblock Rose for as long as they were alive.  In other words, while perhaps we are moving in the right direction, there are too many stop gaps to continue to prevent Rose to head to his natural destination... Cooperstown.  It's a wicked web and all those a-holes are in on it.

Look at the facts: Pete Rose is the all-time hits leader. He played harder than anyone before or after him. He made baseball better. And yet, there are idiots like Patrick Sauer of the Washington Post trying to rewrite history, suggesting that Ichiro Suzuki is the real hit king. No disrespect to Ichiro—his accomplishments in Japan and the MLB are remarkable—but Pete Rose’s record stands above all in the MAJOR LEAGUES. It’s 4,256. That’s the number. That’s the legacy. That’s what matters.

Was he a perfect man? No. But neither were countless other Hall of Famers. The Hall isn’t about moral perfection; it’s about baseball greatness. And Pete Rose was greatness incarnate.

MLB had a chance to do the right thing. They failed. And now, they’re trying to make up for it after the fact. Too little, too late. But for those of us who grew up watching him, who saw the passion, the determination, the sheer love of the game—Pete Rose will always be a Hall of Famer, no matter what some spineless commissioner says.

WITH THE YANKEE PEN HURT, THIS GUY MIGHT BE A PRIZE

An interesting dude has just gone on waivers. As you know, the Yankees are forever in search of that elusive "lightning in a bottle" bullpen arm to carry them through the season. And now, with Opening Day right around the corner, here comes a prime candidate: Justin Lawrence, fresh off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. And with the new hair policy it might be fun... I kid. I kid.

Let’s be real, Lawrence isn’t exactly coming off a Mariano Rivera-like campaign. After a solid 2023 season in which he posted a respectable 3.72 ERA with 11 saves and 78 strikeouts over 75 innings, things went a little sideways in 2024. His ERA ballooned to 6.49, his save total dwindled to two, and his strikeout numbers took a noticeable dip. Not exactly the kind of stat line that screams “must-have,” but hey, we’re talking about Brian Cashman here—a man who never met a reclamation project he didn’t love.

Now, under normal circumstances, scooping up a guy who struggled like that wouldn’t be a priority. But these aren’t normal circumstances for the Yankees' bullpen. JT Brubaker is sidelined with three broken ribs after his unsuccessful game of dodgeball with a comebacker. Scott Effross? Out. Clayton Beeter? Nope. Jake Cousins? Also MIA. So, at this point, why not take a flier on Lawrence?

The Yankees love a project, and Lawrence is nothing if not that. His funky sidearm delivery and mid-90s fastball have their moments, and if nothing else, he’d at least provide some depth in Triple-A. That is, if he has options left—something worth checking before we go all in on this idea.

Of course, claiming him would mean someone else has to go, but who’s really counting at this stage? Cashman could shuffle pieces around, create some phantom IL stints, or simply hope the bullpen sorts itself out in April. It’s not like that strategy has ever backfired before. Oh, wait.

In the grand scheme of things, Justin Lawrence probably isn’t the missing piece that finally gets the Yankees over the hump, but with how things are shaping up in the pen, taking a shot on him doesn’t sound that crazy. After all, desperation is a powerful thing—especially when your bullpen is held together with duct tape and a prayer.

LEMAHIEU IS ICE COLD, BUT PERAZA'S GETTING HOT

Well, well, well—at long last, we can all stop screaming into the void about the Yankees needing an infielder. Peace and quiet at last! Jazz Chisholm is sliding over to second base, his natural habitat, and the Yankees have declared an all-out battle royale for third base. DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza are set to duke it out, and may the best man win.

Now, I’ll be honest. I was firmly in Camp LeMahieu. His bat has been a rock for the Yankees over the years—at least, until injuries started treating him like their personal punching bag. I had high hopes that DJ would shake off the rust and find his groove again. But so far this spring? Yikes.

To make matters worse, the injury bug just won’t leave him alone. On Saturday, DJ tweaked his calf in his second at-bat. Déjà vu, anyone? Flashback to last year. Now, he’s likely heading for the shelf again, and as a DJ fan, that stings. But hey, baseball doesn’t stop for heartbreak.

With DJ potentially out, I’m throwing my weight behind Oswald Peraza. And before you ask, “What about Cabrera?”—hear me out. Cabrera can do anything and that’s exactly why I like him as a super-utility player. Peraza, though? He’s got something to prove, and he knows it.

“This year is really, really important for my career,” Peraza admitted. He’s out of minor league options and fully aware that the pressure is on. He wants to stay a Yankee, even if it means warming the bench.

Let’s not forget, Peraza tore it up in Triple-A in 2022, earned a September call-up, and hit .306 in 18 games. Sure, he’s had his ups and downs, but this spring, he’s got one mission: shine or sit.

So far, his numbers look promising: On February 21, he went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run. Against the Cardinals on February 26, he went 1-for-2 with a run, and on February 28, he went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run.

While injuries and inconsistency have kept him from locking down a permanent spot, Peraza has looked sharp on defense at both third and short. His bat-to-ball skills seem to be improving—no strikeouts in his first four games—and while he hasn’t shown off his base-stealing prowess yet, his speed is still a weapon. He’s already legging out double-play attempts and scoring with ease from second base.

So yeah, I’m all in on Peraza at third. Maybe shortstop isn’t in the cards for him, but the left side of the infield feels like home. And yes, I’m rooting for him. Hard.

A FAMILIAR FACE JUST BECAME A POTENTIAL STANTON REPLACEMENT

With Giancarlo Stanton set to start the season on the injured list, the Yankees are once again staring at a familiar problem—how to replace a big bat in the lineup. Naturally, the rumor mill has been working overtime, with names like J.D. Martinez emerging as possible short-term solutions. Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have at least reached out to Martinez, which could be nothing more than due diligence—or a sign that they’re looking for a cheap, low-risk fix.

But here’s the thing: The Yankees don’t necessarily need to bring in an aging slugger when a younger, more versatile option is just sitting there—Alex Verdugo.

Verdugo remains unsigned, and the Yankees already know what they’re getting with him. He put up solid numbers in the Bronx last season, understands the market, and wouldn’t require an adjustment period. As I pointed out on BYB, in our article JD MARTINEZ CHATTER GETTING LOUDER, the Yankees have other internal options as well:

"If a short-term deal can be struck, Martinez could be an intriguing option. However, the Yankees also have in-house alternatives—one being a familiar face in Anthony Rizzo. Utilizing Rizzo in a designated hitter role would eliminate the need for him to play defense, and while he’s a lefty, the primary goal here is power at the plate, isn't it? Another potential option is Alex Verdugo, who remains unsigned but has a proven ability to hit. Unlike Martinez, these alternatives would provide a younger and possibly more versatile solution." 

 And, Newsweek running with it, making a case that actually makes all the sense in the world:

"Bringing back Verdugo to the Bronx would be a win-win for the Yankees. This is a team that never officially replaced Juan Soto and could benefit from a player who brings some spark to the lineup. It would also allow the organization to rotate him into left field if the Yankees decide to roll the dice with Domínguez."

That’s exactly it. The Yankees never truly replaced Soto’s presence, and while Verdugo isn’t Soto (no one is), he’s still a reliable bat with defensive flexibility. His original market value was estimated at $60 million over four years, but with Opening Day fast approaching, that kind of deal seems unlikely.

Instead, the Yankees could probably land Verdugo on a one-year, $9 million contract—a perfect low-risk, high-reward move. That's a Newsweek idea and I love it. It fills an immediate need while giving Verdugo the chance to bet on himself before hitting free agency again in 2026. And even if Stanton makes a swift return, there’s no harm in having a quality depth piece ready to go.

Every player has slumps, every player has down years. But Verdugo has been clear—he’s looking for a short-term deal and a shot to rebuild his value. Given his familiarity with the Yankees and his ability to contribute right away, this move just makes too much sense.

Now, the only question is: Will the Yankees pull the trigger, and will it come in the dead of night when no one's paying attention?

GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE, DUDE!

In the blog world, you don’t just take—you take and give credit where it’s due. It’s an unspoken rule, a common courtesy among writers. That’s why it’s frustrating when that standard is ignored, especially when it comes to something original.

Anyone following Bleeding Yankee Blue knows that we were the first to suggest Anthony Rizzo could transition into a Player-Coach role with the Yankees in his most recent situation of still not being signed. It was a fresh idea, not a rehashed take. With Rizzo still unsigned and seemingly nearing the end of his playing career, we put the concept out there in our piece, COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES? We took a stance, published it, and moved forward. The recognition we received from Newsweek was significant—bigger than many publications out there.

Then, as expected, others started picking up the idea, linking to our post and giving us credit. That’s how it should be done. But not Fansided, and not Joseph Kallan. They simply took the idea, ran with it, and pretended they were the first to come up with it.

A simple search will confirm where this idea originated. So why not acknowledge it? Why publish the line: "While Rizzo may never return to the All-Star form that helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series, his future in baseball might not be over. A different path could lead him back to the Yankees—not as a player, but as a coach." without any attribution? The right thing to do is hyperlink it, give the original source credit, and allow readers to see where the concept came from. But Fansided knew that and chose not to do it. My opinion.

So, we’re not playing nice anymore with Joe Kallan and Fansided. No more attribution for you. Ideas float around in this space, but when someone pioneers something new and thought-provoking, it’s special. We did that at Bleeding Yankee Blue, and we did it originally. Not only did we write about it first, but we also acknowledged Newsweek when they gave us credit after the fact, because that's what your do. We even revisited the topic in another piece that generated even more readership than our initial article. That’s when Fansided decided to jump in—because they had missed the boat.

In this industry, there’s one thing you always do: acknowledge your sources. A shoutout, a link back to the original piece—basic blogging etiquette. Fansided failed to do that, and now, they’re on our list. Plain and simple. We may not have the biggest readership, but we have a fiercely loyal Bleeding Yankee Blue/Yankee fanbase. For 15 years, we’ve built something special, without big corporate backing—just dedication and passion. And that speaks volumes.

And so what's the message? Don’t be a bully. I don't care if you are a Hofstra Grad or went to a Community College. You messed up. You now have your chance to do the right thing. Make it right.

Like This? READ THIS:

RIZZO, WE HAVE YOUR OFFER RIGHT HERE

COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES?

Yankees $17 Million Free Agent 4-Time All-Star Urged to Return as 'Player-Coach'

JD MARTINEZ CHATTER GETTING LOUDER

 As the Yankees head into spring, injuries are already raising questions about their roster. The biggest concern remains Giancarlo Stanton, while the team awaits further updates on Luis Gil and his shoulder tightness. In light of these issues, recent speculation suggests the Yankees may explore bringing in J.D. Martinez as a potential reinforcement, particularly with Stanton’s ongoing elbow problems.

Martinez, now 37, is coming off a respectable yet unspectacular season with the Mets. While no teams had been publicly linked to him, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have had "some contact" with Martinez’s representatives. Given Stanton’s uncertain status, it seems likely he will start the season on the injured list, allowing extra time for recovery and at-bats in extended Spring Training.

If a short-term deal can be struck, Martinez could be an intriguing option. However, the Yankees also have in-house alternatives—one being a familiar face in Anthony Rizzo. Utilizing Rizzo in a designated hitter role would eliminate the need for him to play defense, and while he’s a lefty, the primary goal here is power at the plate, isn't it? Another potential option is Alex Verdugo, who remains unsigned but has a proven ability to hit. Unlike Martinez, these alternatives would provide a younger and possibly more versatile solution.

Last season, Martinez batted .235 with 16 home runs over 495 plate appearances for the Mets—not terrible, but the question remains: How much would the Yankees be willing to pay for a temporary fix?

Empire Sports Media recently highlighted the similarities between Martinez and Stanton, describing them writing "aging right-handed sluggers in the final stages of their career, , J.D. Martinez and Giancarlo Stanton share a lot of similarities, and that both make this a seamless fit short-term and a terrible fit long-term. There’s no chance at this point of his career that J.D. Martinez could handle an outfield spot, nor will the Yankees task Giancarlo Stanton with reps in the outfield." While Martinez could serve as a short-term solution, his lack of defensive versatility and advancing age make him a less-than-ideal long-term fit. Similarly, the Yankees aren’t likely to give Stanton many outfield reps at this point in his career.

For now, the "Martinez to the Yankees" talk remains persistent, but whether it turns into a reality is yet to be seen. 

Stay tuned. It could get interesting.

BEN RICE & SPENCER JONES ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

I have to say, I just watched this MLB Film Room chat featuring Spencer Jones and Ben Rice, and I’m officially on board with these two. Not only are they talented, but they’ve got great personalities, sharp senses of humor, and, let’s be real, some elite baseball faces. There’s just something about guys who look like they were born to wear pinstripes, and these two fit the bill. But beyond that, their chemistry is what really makes this interview shine.

Now, I know Spencer Jones hasn’t made it to the Yankees’ major league roster just yet, but let’s be honest—it feels inevitable. If Jasson Domínguez struggles in the outfield (which, let’s face it, is a possibility), the Yankees might send him to Triple-A to iron things out, and that could be the moment Jones gets his shot. The kid has the tools—size, power, speed—and if he keeps developing the way people expect, it’s not a matter of if but when.

On the other hand, Ben Rice is already here, and let me tell you, he’s exactly the kind of guy this team needs. He’s got versatility—he can DH, play first base, and even step in as a backup catcher if needed. He’s not a superstar yet, but he’s scrappy, reliable, and ready to contribute. Every team needs guys like that, and I’m more than happy with him playing a key role off the bench.

But let’s talk about this interview because it’s gold. These two are genuinely having a blast, and it’s refreshing to see that kind of energy. The conversation flows effortlessly, with plenty of laughs and zero forced media training awkwardness. When asked what their “friendship nickname” should be, they tossed around a couple of options—“Spice” and “Bencer.” Rice immediately gave his stamp of approval to “Bencer,” calling it “kind of fire.” And honestly? He’s right.

The best part of the chat, though, had to be when they started talking about hitting. Jones, with complete confidence, declared that he’s got Rice beat when it comes to raw power. Rice didn’t even try to deny it, admitting, “When this guy gets one, it’s going to go a lot farther than my best bolt.” But Jones wasn’t about to let Rice sell himself short—he gave credit where it was due, praising his bat control. “Every time Ben backspins a baseball, it goes over the fence. When he top-spins it, it lands right in front of the outfielder. He knows exactly what he’s doing up there.” It’s the kind of inside-baseball talk that reminds you just how much these guys study their craft.

And then there was Rice’s reflection on his breakout moment last season—a multi-homer game that ended with an unforgettable curtain call. “At first, I didn’t even realize what was happening,” he admitted. “Everyone was yelling at me, pointing in different directions. Eventually, I figured it out.” You’ve got to love that level of honesty.

At the end of the day, Jones and Rice represent something exciting—the future. They bring talent, personality, and a genuine love for the game that’s infectious. This is exactly the kind of energy the Yankees need, and hopefully, they’ll be in the Bronx for a long time. If you haven’t watched this interview yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s fun, it’s real, and it’s a reminder that baseball is at its best when guys are just being themselves.

MAYBE IT'S GOOD THAT STROMAN'S STICKING AROUND...

Imagine this: The Yankees, in a wild bid to shake things up, trade Marcus Stroman for a banged-up Nolan Arenado. Then, right on cue, Luis Gil—projected to be a linchpin in the rotation—goes down with an injury. And then, we don't have Stroman to fall back on.  In short, maybe we're in a better place today knowing Stroman is still a Yankee.

So, what happened to Luis Gil? Well, he was cruising through a bullpen session when he felt a bit of tightness in his right shoulder. Now, he's off for an MRI, and Yankees fans everywhere are holding their breath.

This is a tough break, not just for the team but for Gil himself. After have a great last season, he was penciled in as a potential top-three starter in the rotation. His electric stuff and fearless mound presence was going to be great. The Yankees were counting on him, and frankly, he deserved another great year. Now, all we can do is hope for the best and wish him a speedy recovery.

Now, with Gil possibly sidelined, the Yankees' pitching depth is starting to look a little thin. Clarke Schmidt, another rotation hopeful, has also been slowed by back discomfort. It’s like the rotation plans were drawn up on a whiteboard, and someone keeps hitting the eraser.

Enter Marcus Stroman.

Stroman came into spring training as something of an odd man out. The Yankees’ rotation seemed set, and his role was unclear. But in baseball, as in life, things can change in a hurry. Now, with the Yankees facing a potential gap in their rotation, Stroman could find himself thrust into a starter role, I mean, ask him... he IS s starter after all.  He’s been vocal about it, and now he might just get his wish. 

But could the Mets come calling? They are also dealing with their own injury headaches. Could they make a call to the Yankees and inquire about Stroman? Sure, it feels like a long shot, but stranger things have happened. I mean, if Joey Gallo can be an All-Star again, anything is possible.

However, with the Yankees' own rotation looking like a game of Jenga right now, it’s hard to imagine them letting Stroman go. They need him now more than ever.

For now, all eyes are on Gil’s MRI results. Here’s hoping the kids gets good news. He’s too important to this team and too talented to catch another bad break.

Stay tuned—there’s never a dull moment in the Bronx.