Aaron Judge

New York Yankees: Don’t waste time, all the news in one place

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jonathan villar, mets, yankees

Yankee slugger Aaron Judge makes bold prediction

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been full of surprises this off-season. So far, the headline is that he married his long-time girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck two weekends ago in a secret tropical wedding at Maui, Hawaii. But, that’s not all; he has now made a bold prediction.

Last season Judge had a beast of a season, carrying the team on his back, in his first fully healthy season since 2017. He hit .287 with 39 home runs while batting in nearly 100. He now has made the bold prediction that he will hit at least 50 home runs during his 2022 campaign. Looking at it seriously, it’s not out of the question. He hit 57 in 2017. The question will be if he can stay healthy to accomplish the lofty goal.

With Judge becoming a free agent for the first time at the end of the 2022 season, the other big question is if the Yankees will offer him a mega-contract keeping him as a lifelong Yankee. Unfortunately for the Yankees and Judge, will it get ugly when it comes time to do that? Most of it will depend on staying healthy two seasons in a row. If he can’t, the Yankees will be reluctant to extend him long-term.

Where will all the remaining big names end up?

If you want to believe Sports Illustrated, post-CBA doesn’t look good for the Yankees as it predicts where all the big remaining names will go, none of which go to the Yankees. The big bait out there, Carlos Correa, regardless of the news, will probably end up with his old manager A J Hinch, who is now managing the Detroit Tigers. Another big name favored by the Yankees, Freddie Freeman, will resign with the Atlanta Braves.

The Yankees have been targeting Trevor Story for a shortstop replacement. SI that previously had him going to the Rangers have switched gears and are now sending him to the Houston Astros to fill the Correa gap. There haven’t been many predictions that show a quality starting pitcher to the Yankees, but recently the name Carlos Rodon has come up as a possible fit for the Yankees; quell that, SI has him going to the rival Boston Red Sox.

You can also scratch outfielder and catcher Kyle Schwarber from playing in the Bronx; he will be going to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The only signing that seems safe is the first baseman Anthony Rizzo returning to the Yankees. In a bizarre suggestion, there are some rumors that nut-case Zack Grienke of the Astros could end up with the Yankees. Let’s hope not.

How are the Yankees doing in Winter Ball?

Several Yankees have played winter ball in the Dominican Republic; their results aren’t exactly promising. Aaron Hicks played in 12 games, not producing; the only thing he has shown the Yankees is that he can stay healthy for twelve games. Miguel Andujar has been nothing short of a disaster in winter ball, hitting .161 and no home runs in eight games. He has to be hoping he will be traded with no position to play with the Yankees and his below-average defense.

Estevan Florial wasn’t much better; he hit .167 in nine games. Once a top Yankee prospect, his halo is quickly dimming. Florial has power and speed as his main attributes, but to show those off, you have to hit the ball; he strikes out far too much to be of any value.

On the pitching side, Luis Media was 0-0, 4.92 ERA, two starts, 3 2/3 IP, 6 K, 4 BB. Baseball America ranks Medina as the team’s No. 9 prospect, primarily due to his high 90s’ fastball. Don’t look for Media to be a starter for the Yankees any time soon. His lack of control challenges his fastball. He will probably start the season with the AA Somersets. If he starts at Scranton, he could be a piece out of the bullpen for the Yankees.

Right-hand pitcher Albert Abreu went 3-3, 2.25 ERA, 6 starts, 24 IP, 11 K, 10 BB. Abreu’s ERA is impressive, but he walks too many hitters. He will likely be in the Yankees bullpen as a last resort piece with his history and numbers. Catcher Rob Brantly didn’t exactly ring any bells in winter ball. He hit .125 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 K, 0 BB, 8 AB, 2 games. Nevertheless, he will end up as the number one catcher at Scranton and the backup for Kyle Higashioka in the Bronx.

Now on the bright side: Outfielder Michael Beltre hit .293 with five RBIs, nine strikeouts, and two walks. He will likely start the season with the Rail Riders with his outfield depth and excellent showing at double-A Somerset. Should we have trouble in center, you could see him with the big team sometime in the season.

The most encouraging sign for the Yankees is Wandy Peralta, the righty that made an impact last season. In winter ball, he went  3-0, 3.72 ERA, 11 appearances, 9 2/3 IP, 15 K, 3 BB. He looks to be a mid to late-inning reliever again this season in the Bronx.

Is Jonathan Villar a fit for the Yankees?

There has been recent talk that Jonathan Villar could be a stop-gap measure for the Yankees, not at short but at third base. That move would require the Yankees to move Gio Urshela to short, where he performed well last season when needed.

With Anthony Volpe and Osward Peraza in the wings and probably ready for the 2023 season, the Yankees don’t appear to be ready to hire a big name to fill the spot at short, long term. Villar hits better than most stop-gap shortstop options out there but is not much of an upgrade for Torres at short, thus the third base suggestion where his defense is better. Villar has speed but lacks the home run numbers the Yankees would like to see. He may be a fit, but it also piques the question: What will become of DJ LeMahieu if the Yankees sign Anthony Rizzo as their 2022 first baseman?

Yankees create a bright Christmas for Bronx youth

For the twelfth year in a row, the Yankees have held their Christmas toy even to benefit the underserved kids of the Bronx that surrounds Yankee Stadium. Their Winter Wonderland Event Friday has delivered thousands of toys to local school children.

“Everybody knows the Yankees for being a champion on the field, but that same drive and focus is part of our commitment to being a productive member of this community,” said Brian Smith, the Yankees’ senior vice president of corporate community relations. “We’re happy to put a smile on these young peoples’ faces during the holiday season.”

In years previous to 2020, the event was held in the big hall at Yankee Stadium, where a child could come in a pick a toy of their choice. Unfortunately, last year and this year, that could not happen due to Covid restrictions. This season the event was held outside Yankee Stadium, but most of the toys will be distributed by the New York Yankee Partners right up until Christmas day.

New York Yankees Bio: Aaron Judge, the man, and the myth

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New York Yankees, Aaron Judge

New York Yankee superstar Aaron Judge has been in the news a lot this week, as he tied the knot in Hawaii this past weekend. But, also in the news is whether the Yankees will extend him a mega-contract keeping him a Yankee for life.

The slugger Aaron Judge burst onto the Major League scene in 2017. He played in 155 games, getting 52 home runs and hitting .284 with 114 RBIs. He was heralded at the new Yankee Star, the new Mickey Mantle. He was a Silver Slugger, Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and came in second in the MVP voting. However, he was never the same again with all of those accolades until this past season.

From 2018 to 2020, Judge was riddled with a myriad of injuries keeping him off the field and from performing. During those three years, he played only an average of 80 games a season. His home runs were gone, and his strikeouts stood out. He never could regain his 2017 form.

Fast forward to the 2021 season; a new healthy Aaron Judge appeared on the stage at Yankee Stadium. He was the most dependable and consistent player all of last season. He hit some runs, singles, doubles, and got on base. His .383 OBP is the best since 2017. Plain and simple, he carried the Yankees on his back even during the horrid first half of the season.

Judge ended the season hitting .287 with 39 home runs while playing in a career-high 148 games. 

Here is some useful information to get you to know the man Aaron Judge. On April 27, 1992, Wayne and Patty Judge adopted an African American biracial baby a day after he was born; that baby was Aaron Judge. When Judge was old enough to understand, his parents told him, he was adopted.

Growing up in California, Judge was a San Francisco Giants fan. Judge attended Linden High School, where he was a three-sport star. He played as a pitcher and first baseman for the baseball team, a wide receiver for the football team, and a basketball team center. He set a school record for touchdowns (17) in football and led the basketball team in points per game (18.2). In addition, he was part of the Linden High School team that made the California Interscholastic Federation Division III playoffs in baseball.

You can imagine with this sports record that Judge was heavily recruited by teams like Notre Dame, Stanford, and ULCA as a tight end, but Judge wanted to play baseball. He was selected in the 2010 draft by Oakland but wanted to attend college instead. He played for Fresno State, where he was named a Freshman All-American. In 2012 he won the TD Ameritrade College home run, Derby. During the summer of 2012, he played for the Brewster White Caps of the Cape Cod League.

This is where I may have seen him play. He was drafted #1 by the New York Yankees. In his junior year with Fresno, he led the team in home runs, doubles, and RBI’s. In 2013 the Yankees selected him in the draft, and he signed with the Yankees for a 1.8 million signing bonus. He joined the team but was injured in running drills that kept him out of the season.

So what have we learned about that superstar Aaron Judge? Obviously, he’s a star baseball player, but he also loves football especially watching the playoff games. He loves his friends and fellow players; he instead praises a fellow player than talk about himself. He loves dogs and is a big fan of children that love baseball. He is more profound than many may think. His Twitter header carries the Corinthians “For we live by faith, not by sight.” His very first post reads as follows: 

Christian. Faith, Family, then Baseball. “If what you did yesterday still seems big today, then you haven’t done anything today!”

Judge loves children. He makes every attempt to greet them to sign baseballs and give them his gloves, bat, or cap. He frequently pulls them from the stands so their parents can get a photo of their child with the Yankee star. Many would feel that doing this was a chore but watching Judge, you can tell he loves it, even seeking out young Yankee fans in away parks. It is not uncommon to see him play catch with young New York Yankee fans when there is a play pause. 

Apparently, Aaron Judge is a one-and-done kind of guy, as he culminated a more than ten-year relationship with his high school sweetheart, Samantha Bracksieck, and this weekend, he sealed the deal with a passionate kiss after the pair made their vows. This is even more exciting because the pair managed to keep the impending nuptials mostly secret. Bracksieck was shown months ago with what appeared to be an engagement ring, indicating that an upcoming wedding might be in the books.

The two were married on Saturday, December 11, 2021. It was said to be an intimate wedding with only family and a few of the closest friends in attendance at the Montage Kapalua Bay resort in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. The nuptials were enjoyed oceanside with views of other Hawaiian islands. John J. Judge is Aaron’s older brother. They have different blood in their genes, but that doesn’t prevent them from being two peas in a pod. John and Aaron are very close! John is an educator, as are Aarons’ parents. Simply put, this hulk of a man is a softy and of high moral values that cherish being a Yankee and all that that involves.

EmpireSportsMedia.com’s Columnist William Parlee is a Society for American Baseball Research member. Follow me on Twitter @parleewilliam.

Yankees: What a massive contract extension for Aaron Judge could look like

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aaron judge, yankees

While the New York Yankees are focused on adding a big-name shortstop this off-season, they have to consider the contract extension Aaron Judge will garner in the near future.

Judge will become a free agent in 2023, so he has just one year left of team control before he can sign elsewhere. That likely means general manager Brian Cashman and Judge’s representatives will look to strike a huge deal before he hits free agency.

The star slugger has indicated he prefers to stay with the Yankees for his entire career, but many players have said that in the past just to leave and find success elsewhere.

A deal for Judge will likely be close to $40 million per season on average, but let’s take a look at a prospective deal that would lock the Bombers into his services for at least five seasons.

New York Post’s Ken Davidoff proposed a monster deal, averaging out at $37.8 million per season over five years with an additional season and opt-out later on:

How about taking the five-year, $189 million package that my colleague Joel Sherman proposed back in October, adding another year and $38 million to it (six years and $227 million, a tribute to the iconic Marla Gibbs), adding vesting options for 2028 through 2030 (his age-36 through -38 seasons) based on collective plate appearances, and, to seal the deal, throwing in an opt-out after 2024?

If Judge is healthy, he is deserving of every dollar, especially considering the Yankees under-spend compared to their revenue per season. Judge played in 148 games this past season at 29-years-old, hitting .287 with 39 homers and 98 RBIs.
The righty slugger posted a career-low 25% strikeout rate and 37.5 offensive WAR. Judge is showing more discipline at the plate and a sustainable proficiency for hitting home runs. The only season where he didn’t break double digit homers was during the Covid abbreviated 2020 campaign when Judge spent the majority of the season injured. His 39 homers this past season is a benchmark moving forward and considering he’s not even 30-years-old yet, investing in him as a long-term solution is an easy decision.
Defensively, Judge has one of the best arms in baseball out of right field, but depending on how the Yankees approach their centerfield spot, it is possible they move Judge to the middle of the outfield and find a replacement in right. If the Yankees do end up retaining Joey Gallo, he could start an RF while Judge makes the move to center, a position he proved capable of this past season.
What do you think of this behemoth contract for Aaron Judge? Comment here!

Yankees News and Rumors 12/15: Everything you need to know in one place

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New York Yankees, Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge locked down; now what?

The New York Yankees homegrown superstar Aaron Judge locked down his personal life with the marriage last weekend to Samantha Bracksieck in a tropical setting in Maui, Hawaii. The only question to be answered in his life is whether he will have a marriage with the Yankees.

The 2017 Rookie of the Year had his second-best year with the Yankees last season. He stayed healthy and basically carried the team on his back with consistently good play all season long. Judge has often been called the face of the Yankees and the face of baseball. But Judge will become a free agent after this season, and it’s time for the Yankees to make him a lifelong Yankee with a handsome contract extension.

Although the Yankees have been mostly quiet on the subject, they are well aware of the need to address the Judge situation sooner than later. Part of their delay in propping up the team pre-lockout could be because they need to see what monies will be available for their needs, including an extension for Judge. Once a new CBA can be reached, the Yankees will have to pounce on these needs quickly.

Appreciating Jordan Montgomery

Yankee pitcher Jordan Montgomery has gone under the radar the last few years but has been a mostly solid player for the Yankees. Over five seasons with the Yankees, one out for Tommy John surgery, he has a winning record. Monty has been their only constant in the pitching rotation throughout the period, with the loss of Luis Severino to surgery, CC Sabathia to retirement, seeing Masahiro Tanaka lost to Japan, and now the loss of 2 time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.

Montgomery is a good pitcher, although not flashy; he never enjoyed the hype of a Joba Chamberlain but has been solid for the Yankees. Montgomery’s career stats are not bad. 388 IP – 15.8 K-BB% – 1.27 WHIP – 3.90 FIP – 7.3 fWAR, which is nothing to sneeze at. Last season, he was 6-7 with an ERA of 3.83 in 30 games. That record is not representative of how he pitched; he got absolutely no run support in over half of his games. Montgomery could be big for the Yankees in 2022 in the third spot in the rotation.

Anthony Rizzo is enjoying free agency

At the trade deadline last season, the Yankees got the long-time Chicago Cub to replace the ailing Luke Voit at first base. Rizzo started out like a superstar for the Yankees, but his hitting cooled off. One thing that didn’t cool off was his defense at first base, the best since Mark Teixeira. So now Rizzo is a free agent for the first time in his baseball life, and he is enjoying it.

The Yankees, as of the lock-out, do not have a starting first baseman for the new season. They retained Luke Voit, but with his health, he is not the best option, nevertheless having him reduces the priority for the Yankees. Rizzo, meanwhile, has made it known that he likes New York and would like to stay here. Other names that have been mentioned for the Yankees to act on once the lock-out is over are Matt Olson and the best in the business, Freddie Freeman, among others.

Is Trevor Story a fit for the Yankees?

Even before the World Series was over, the Yankees announced that they would be spending money and that their number one priority was to sign a star-like shortstop. To date, that has not been done, with some ambiguity as to if the Yankees will do that or go the way of a stopgap purchase, waiting for either Anthony Volpe or Oswald Perzaza to become major league ready.

Several names the Yankees have been looking at are already gone. Corey Seager went to the Texas Rangers, and Marcus Semien went to the Angels. That leaves the big prize of Carlos Correa still unsigned. Correa is not the best fit for the Yankees because of a lingering mysterious back ailment and involvement in the Astros sign-stealing that could have cost the Yankees a World Series appearance.

There are other options, and one of them is a shortstop the Yankees have looked at previously; Trevor Story. Trevor Story remains an intriguing prospect for a team with a current need at SS but less of a need in the future. The Yankees once very high on Story seem to have soured on him somewhat. Nevertheless, they made a play for him at the trade deadline but could not come to an agreement with the Colorado Rockies.

Story had an unexpected down season in 2021; (.251/.329/.471/.801, 24 home runs, 75 RBIs). However, Story has solidified himself as one of the top offensive shortstops in the game, and he is not far from out of the headlights on the Yankee horizon.

Is a shortstop already in the system?

The New York Yankees could blow off the shortstop need and avoid spending money as they look for a number two starter for the pitching rotation, a first baseman, and help in center field. However, to do that, they would have to recognize how good Gio Urshela was replacing Gleyber Torres at short. Although a small sample, Urshela proved he can play the position to upgrade Torres.

Should the Yankees take the stopgap option, Urshela could slide in at short until Yankee prospects Anthony Volpe and Osward Perzara are ready for the big time. Last season in 28 games, he hit .267 with a better fielding percentage than at third base, his usual position. Urshela is not the perfect option for the Yankees, but for one year, it could work. With Torres penned in at second and moving DJ LeMahieu to third base, where he played adequately last season, that would let the Yankees concentrate on a long-term upgrade at first base.

Luke Voit; trade piece or first baseman?

Early in the post-season, the Yankees decided to hold onto first baseman Luke Voit. The question is, why? He is not a great defender at first and can’t seem to stay healthy. There are two answers to that question. They are going to concentrate on a new expensive shortstop, or they are holding onto Voit as a trade piece to fill one of the team’s needs, at short, in the outfield, or at first base.

With a questionable health record, in 2020, he led all of baseball with 22 home runs in the shortened season. But last season, he regressed playing in only 68 games, hitting .239 with only eleven home runs. He couldn’t stay healthy below the belt with foot and knee problems. There is no question that the Yankees are concerned about Voit and who will play at first base. The Yankees attempted to trade Voit before the trade deadline but were unsuccessful. The Yankees have several first-base options, including keeping DJ LeMahieu there. They also could resign Anthony Rizzo, get Olson, or go after the superstar Freddie Freeman. At his point, Voit does not seem like the best option as we advance.

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge and long-time girlfriend marry in Hawaii

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While there is not much going on with the New York Yankees, there is big news to report during the lockout. Yankee star outfielder Aaron Judge and his long-time girlfriend Samantha Bracksieck were married on Saturday in Maui, Hawaii in a private ceremony at a posh tropical resort.

Apparently, Aaron Judge is a one-and-done kind of guy, as he culminated a more than ten-year relationship with his high school sweetheart, and this weekend he sealed the deal with a passionate kiss after the pair made their vows. This is even more exciting because the pair managed to keep the impending nuptials mostly secret. Bracksieck was shown months ago with what appeared to be an engagement ring, indicating that an upcoming wedding might be in the books.

The Daily Mail first reported the wedding that was acknowledged by the venue. It was said to be an intimate wedding with only family and a few of the closest friends in attendance at the Montage Kapalua Bay resort in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Recent photos showed Luis Cessa, Gary Sanchez, and Gleyber Torres, vacationing in Maui, it is assumed that they attended the wedding.

Judge and Bracksieck met in high school. At Linden High School, Judge was a three-sport all-star. The pair would go on to attend California State University in Fresno California, where Judge was named a Freshman All-American. The couple took a break in their relationship in 2016 but were spotted together in 2019 on a trip to London. Judge is 29, and Samantha is one year his junior.

Judge picked out the perfect place for the wedding, the Kapalua Bay resort. The resort sits right on the ocean with views of neighboring islands. As expected, the resort is quite exclusive, with suites starting at $3,400 a night. The wedding was held outdoors under a gazebo next to the ocean.

New York Yankees wrapped up the 2021 season when they lost to the Red Sox in the wild card game. Nevertheless, Judge had his best season since 2017 going on to be the Yankees’ most dependable player. Meanwhile, Judge has said that being a Yankee for life “would be a wish of mine.” Now he will do it with his lovely new wife. So soon, there may be mini-Judges running around the bases. If the Judge and the Yankees disagree on a contract extension, he could become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022 season.

New York Yankees: Fans are angry as Yankees sit idly by, ignoring the free agent market

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yankees, corey seager

New York Yankee fans are confused, frustrated, and even angry as one after another target or player of interest drops off the market, being scooped up by other teams, even teams within the Yankees’ division.

Most of the confusion arises from the Yankees’ near pledge to improve the team for 2022 by spending big and acquiring players to return the team to championship contention. But instead, what fans have gotten is a front office that has been surprisingly quiet, if not completely dormant, as other teams are picking up quality players with amazing speed.

Just yesterday, two huge free agency monikers dropped off the market, with the big prize, Max Scherzer, going to the crosstown New York Mets and Corey Seager going to the Texas Rangers. Although Scherzer was more of a wish for the Yankees, they were never really in on him due to the projected cost. However, no one would have ever dreamed that he would be signed for $43 million a year, making him the highest-priced starting pitcher in MLB history. The big slap in the face is that he went to the Mets.

At this point, there is no question that the Mets are making moves to bring them to at least an NL East division win, and maybe going to their first World Series since 2015, in which they lost to the Kansas City Royals one game to four. The New York Yankees have not appeared in a World Series game since they won in 2009.

The Yankees were seriously looking at Starling Marte to bolster their center field presence, but that fell through when the Mets scooped him up last week with a four-year contract for a reported $78 million. With the Mets signing Scherzer, they have already spent double the money the Yankees might consider spending. If that isn’t a statement, I don’t know what is.

The other big name off the market yesterday was shortstop Corey Seager, who went to the Texas Rangers for a reported $325 million for 10 years. Not only is he no longer available to the Yankees, but that contract sets the bar for the only other huge name on the shortstop market, Carlos Correa, who presently remains unsigned. With that likely cost, the Yankees will not be contending for him.

Another big name now off the Yankees’ radar is former Blue Jays’ co-ace Robbie Ray, who went to the  Seattle Mariners for three years at $115 million. In return, the Blue Jays signed another Yankee pitcher of interest, Kevin Gausman, to a 5-year deal worth $110 million. What may be surprising to Yankee fans, as well as the front office, who’re watching other teams spend insane amounts of money.

Whether you believe the Yankees are being cheap, or Hal Steinbrenner won’t let loose of the purse, you can’t blame the Yankees for not signing any long-term, big-money contracts like the ones that seem to dominate the free agency market. After all, the Yankees are mulling a contract extension for star Aaron Judge that will be costly, and already have two monster contracts to pay to ace Gerrit Cole and the remaining huge contract for Giancarlo Stanton. Most of these contracts are being signed by teams that couldn’t contend last season, and don’t already have huge contracts on their rosters.

Although there may be some action today, and before the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires tomorrow night, it looks like general manager Brian Cashman will have to work his magic, like he did with DJ LeMahieu, as only some crumbs are going to be left over.

New York Yankees: Will star player Aaron Judge challenge the appearance policy?

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The New York Yankees, since George M. Steinbrenner bought the team from CBS in 1973; he saw a team in disarray and with little discipline. He quickly instituted an appearance policy, the major part dictated a clean shaven well-kept look although trimmed mustaches were allowed. Over the years there have been some minor challenges to the policy, but it is still in effect under Hal Steinbrenners’ ownership.

Early on when the Yankees acquired Lou Pinella, he showed up with long hair. The “Boss” told him he had to cut his hair. Pinella wasn’t happy. He said if the Lord had long hair he could too. Steinbrenner took him across the street to a gym with a pool. He said to Pinella, if you can walk across the water you can have long hair. The rest is history.

The clean appearance policy has come under scrutiny many times with many fans appreciating the policy, as it separates the Yankees from the other teams. Many also think it is archaic and should be dropped completely.

Recently on social media, Aaron Judge was shown  with a well-kept full beard and mustache. The photo accompanying this article was no doubt photo shopped, as he was recently seen clean shaven at Tyler Wade’s birthday bash. But nevertheless it resurrects an interesting question. Not knowing when this photo could have been taken, it could be real.

Many think he looks good and should be allowed to keep it. Some are even suggesting he might show up at spring training with it, and challenge the policy. Judge is very cognizant of his appearance. After four years with the Yankees and a big gap in his front teeth he appeared with a brand new smile.

Forgetting for a moment that the photo of Judge was photo shopped, let’s say Judge showed up at spring training with that beard, I wanted to know if fans, number one, liked the beard, and also if they thought he would challenge the age old no beard policy.

Wanting to know what Yankee fans thought, I polled five Yankee fan groups on Facebook to see what they thought. I posed the question: No he is a Yankee, and Yes, he likes his beard. Here are the results and some choice comments.

Many responded “who cares.” Most of those in favor of dropping policy did so with the caveat that they could keep the beard as long as it was clean and well kept.

Here’s the results: Most like the look but also would prefer he be clean shaven during the season.

Most fans overwhelmingly think that Aaron Judge will not challenge the long standing tradition of being clean shaven (89.5%). Yes he will challenge (10.5%). There were just over 400 respondents.

Here are a representative sample of some of the comments:

Ben Berzins
I can deal with beards. As long as it is NEAT. I do not want any players with outrageous haircuts. Example:(Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr.)

Charles Balcer
It’s a stupid rule and I wish they’d change it. George is gone. Let players grow beards. We’ve lost potential free agents because of that dumb rule. There’s nothing wrong with beards..

Michael MiraccoAdmin
It’s fine during the off season, but I rather see him clean shaven during the baseball season.

Lalitha Kattoju
When it’s the off season , that beard is ok.. when hes playing, I prefer clean shaven.. it’s that classy look that sets the Yankees apart from other ball players who look like uncultured cavemen

Brendan DeMarchi
Being clean shaven makes the Yankees stand out. That plus our hunger to win separates us into a class divergent from every other baseball club. Keep the tradition. Players can do whatever they want during the off-season. Surely if you ask Aaron Judge he would want to remain clean shaven during the MLB season. Plus it honors the Boss!

Donna Marie
They all look better clean shaven…they are classier than any other team with the ugly long hair and scruffy beards …Go Yankees!

Bill Cicardo
The Yankees facial hair policy is asinine.

The bottom line, is that although fans often complain about the clean shaven policy, when asked specifically they actually like the Yankee players to be clean shaven, as it sets them apart for other teams that let their players do whatever they want. So like it or not, it doesn’t look like the policy will be discontinued any time soon.

 

Yankees News: Aaron Judge posts heart-felt picture after best friend dropped from team

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New York Yankees, Aaron Judge, rougned odor

Last week, the New York Yankees had to name their 40 man roster to determine protected players. In the midst of this, general manager Brian Cashman and the coaching staff surprisingly left a few players off the roster, including Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade, and Rougned Odor.

All three of these players have made an impact in the past, as Odor and Wade both played in over 100 games this past season as a result of injury and deficiencies.

Unfortunately, neither were able to produce adequate stats and justify retention from the Yankees. Odor spent the first seven years of his career with the Texas Rangers, showing inconsistent hitting throughout.

In 102 games this past season wearing pinstripes, the 27-year-old logged a .202 average with 15 homers and 39 RBIs. He struck out 100 times, good for a 27.7% strikeout rate. While he provided solid defense throughout the season as the Yankees dealt with a number of issues in the infield, the team is clearly looking to upgrade that spot, electing to protect multiple prospects instead.

With Odor being subjected to the waiver wire, there is a chance another team scoop him up. If he passes through unclaimed, the Yankees could theoretically bring him back on a cheap contract, but star slugger Aaron Judge posted what seemed to be a farewell style image over the weekend.

Odor was a better teammate than player, as Judge became fond of the stocky infielder. Meanwhile, Judge is on the other end of the spectrum, beginning to negotiate with upper management about a massive contract extension. Judge is coming off arguably his best season yet, hitting .287 with 39 homers and 98 RBIs this past season.

Showing consistency with his health was a big step forward for Aaron, who played in just 28 games during the 2020 season and 102 in 2019. Having played 148 games this past year, Cashman can feel comfortable extending him on a big contract, but they still have another year of arbitration before they need to settle.

New York Yankees: 11/22 Yankee news roundup, what you need to know

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yankees, matt olson

The New York Yankees haven’t made any splashes in the postseason so far, but there is plenty of moves yet to be made. Here’s a quick recap of what’s going on.

Matt Olson at first? Probably not

@JonHeyman
A’s said to be “shooting for the moon,” in early Matt Olson trade talks. Can’t blame em. 39 HR. .911 OPS. 5.8 WAR. 2 years ‘til free agency.
3:03 PM · Nov 20, 2021
According to Jon Heyman and others. the Oakland Athletics are asking for a huge sum for any trade for first baseman Matt Olson. With the Yankees having to decide between a big payday for a shortstop and a contract extension for Aaron Judge, you can be sure this deal is out the window for the Yankees. Anthony Rizzo, maybe?

Derek Jeter can’t be bothered

Carlos Correa a possible Yankee target as a new shortstop, for some reason or other decided to insult the Yankees and more specifically ex shortstop Derek Jeter, saying that he didn’t deserve any of the Gold Glove awards he recieved, It didn’t take long for the shortstop to respond, but probably not as Correa might have expected. Jeter basically said the comments weren’t worth commenting on.

@MikeCugnoCBS4
.@CraigMish asked Derek Jeter about Carlos Correa’s comments in which he said Jeter didn’t deserve any of his Gold Gloves. Jeter: “I didn’t think much about it.”

Yankees will talk extension with Aaron Judge

Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman have hinted that they will speak with Aaron Judge’s agent about a contract extension, most likely later than sooner and closer to spring training. The Yankees have many moves to resolve before they attack that issue. But both officials note that he is the face of the franchise and can not be allowed to walk at the end of the 2022 season, when he becomes a free agent.

The fact the Judge has made it known that he wants to end his career in the Bronx, is  a deal maker for the Yankees, they just have to decide how much to offer and for how long to the turning 30 year old. Most industry insiders believe it will be in the $30 million per year area for 5 – 6 years. The risk for the Yankees is Judge’s ability to stay healthy. But last year Judge showed his worth being mostly healthy for the whole season.

No Suzuki for the Yankees

The big news today is that all MLB teams can negotiate with Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who was posted by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. The right fielder this season batted .319/.436/.640 with 38 home runs and a 1.075 OPS; that’s truly amazing, but with Aaron Judge in right field, it’s doubtful the Yankees will make any serious play for Suzuki. Of course the Yankees could move Judge to center?

The Yankees watching not participating

Just a few weeks ago it looked as though the New York Yankees would be the major team to make a big splash with a star signing at shortstop. But hold onto your horses, that seems to have changed dramatically in favor of the Yankees not blocking Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza making it to the bigs. The Yankees tend to to this more than advisable. Waiting for a player to get great, only to have the experiment fail. Prospects can be a very fickle thing.

Joel Sherman of of the New York Post reports that the New York Yankees are “monitoring the elite shortstop group rather than participating in it,” The big question is will the Yankees wait until all the big fish are fried, and be left with nothing. No movement yet on shortstops, but three prime starting pitchers are already gone.

Yankees Mets, trade partners?

The New York Mets have a new general manger, Billy Eppler. Eppler, who most recently served as the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels. But what makes this story somewhat interesting is the Eppler was Brian Cashman’s assistant GM from 2012 to  2015. It’s not about personalities, its the cross town rivalry and methodology. Eppler pointed out in his years with the Yankees they never made a trade with the Mets.

 

 

 

Yankees News: How much did Brian Cashman offer Justin Verlander, Aaron Judge extension incoming

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aaron judge, yankees

The New York Yankees have two priorities this off-season, acquiring a top shortstop and adding to their starting pitching rotation. General manager Brian Cashman made it apparent that a deal with a shortstop could happen any day, and they were recently in the hunt for Houston ace Justin Verlander.

Verlander hasn’t pitched since 2019, coming off Tommy John surgery. During his most recent campaign, he logged a 2.58 ERA with an 88.4% left on-base percentage. However, despite the pursuit from Cashman, the Houston Astros managed to retain one of their best pitchers on a two-year, $50 million deal with an optional second season.

The Yankees did their best to acquire his services, offering a one-year, $25 million deal straight up, but Houston essentially gave him an extra year of leverage, even if he struggles considerably after surgery. Cashman wasn’t willing to take that big of a risk with money tied up in multiple spots and a massive extension for Aaron Judge waiting in the wings.

There are a few other opportunities he can explore, including a potential trade for Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Luis Castillo. There are free agents on the market that could fit the bill, including Robbie Ray, so we should keep an eye on the market to see how it fluctuates in the coming weeks. The Yankees will find a solution at the top of their rotation, and we know they’re willing to spend $25 million on a top option.

Yankees are preparing to begin contract extension talks with Aaron judge this winter:

“We’ll have to have conversations about a one- or a more multi-year-level deal,” Cashman said. “We’re essentially a season away from free agency, so we’ll have to have conversations with Aaron Judge’s representation. But obviously he’s been a great Yankee and he’s certainly impacted us in such a positive way for quite a long time, so it’d be nice to keep it going.”

Judge has dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his career, but he is an elite defender with one of the best arms in baseball. This past season, he showcased how dominant he can be when consistently healthy, playing in 148 games. He posted a career-best .287 batting average with 39 homers and 98 RBIs. Judge looked like one of the best players in baseball this season, and if they get that same version in 2022, the Yankees will be looking to extend him on a long-term deal at just 29-years-old.
Judge has already expressed his desire to play the rest of his career in pinstripes, and after pacing the club in most offensive categories this year, Cashman would be foolish to let him walk next free agency period.