The offseason officially rolls on for the Chase for 28 crew, but optimism is in short supply. In Episode 117, Chris, the Podcast Padre, and the Podcast Paisan return to break down a Yankees winter that feels frozen in time. From the shocking qualifying offer acceptance by Trent Grisham to the continued reliance on analytics over fundamentals, the guys question whether Brian Cashman and the front office truly understand what this team needs to win in October.

The conversation spans roster construction, positional logjams, and the growing frustration of running back essentially the same team. They debate Volpe’s future, Ben Rice’s role, the impossibility of moving Giancarlo Stanton’s contract, and whether the Yankees are leaning too heavily on pitching to mask offensive flaws. Add in lockout speculation, ownership spending concerns, Asian market rumors, and a lively trivia debate, and this episode captures exactly how uneasy Yankees fans feel heading into 2026.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why the Yankees made (and lost) the Trent Grisham qualifying offer gamble
• How MLB qualifying offers work—and why this one backfired
• Has baseball passed Brian Cashman by?
• Analytics vs. “using your eyes” in roster decisions
• The Yankees’ youth movement paradox: Domínguez, Jones, Volpe, Wells
• Ben Rice as catcher or first baseman—and the ripple effects
• Lefty-heavy lineups, balance, and Yankee Stadium roster philosophy
• Frustrations with bottom-of-the-lineup production
• Debating contact hitters vs. power-first approaches
• Asian market targets: Murakami, Okamoto, Imai, and posting-system realities
• Giancarlo Stanton’s contract and the need to free the DH spot
• Pitching reliance: Cole’s age, Rodón’s value, and rotation trust
• Lockout speculation and the Dodgers changing the financial landscape
• Are the Yankees still true AL East favorites?

Yankees Trivia 🤔

Who is the only AL team the Yankees have never faced in the playoffs?

Answer: Up until 2025 it was the Toronto Blue Jays

This episode: Name the 3 Yankees who have hit for the cycle more than once.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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The 2025 season is in the books, and the Chase for 28 crew is officially back in the Batcave to launch Hot Stove season! In Episode 116, Chris and the Podcast Padre dive deep into the Yankees’ offseason outlook—reacting to the Blue Jays’ World Series run, evaluating trade rumors, and debating the franchise’s future direction. From Bryce Harper trade chatter to Bo Bichette speculation and frustration over Anthony Volpe’s stagnant development, this episode is a rollercoaster of offseason energy, sarcasm, and genuine fandom.

The guys dissect the Yankees’ analytics-heavy approach, Cashman’s long leash, and why simply “making the playoffs” isn’t enough for this franchise anymore. They review potential free agents, trade targets like Skubal and Skenes, and discuss how youth, health, and smarter at-bats could reshape the 2026 roster.

Topics Discussed:

• Yankees’ 2025 playoff exit and Toronto’s World Series appearance
• Volpe’s struggles and whether he’s still the “shortstop of the future”
• Frustration with Boone and Cashman’s job security
• Bryce Harper trade rumor—would you send Stanton to Philly to make it happen?
• Offseason needs: contact hitters, reliable outfielders, and a balanced lineup
• Possible targets: Harper (PHI), Bo Bichette (TOR), Skubal (DET), Skenes (PIT), Kyle Tucker (CHC)
• Free agent breakdowns: Bellinger, Realmuto, Schwarber, Conforto, Gurriel Jr.
• Discussion on potential moves: Rice as a full-time catcher, Domínguez and Jones in the outfield
• Analytics vs. baseball IQ: the Yankees’ identity crisis
• Cole, Rodón, and health updates ahead of 2026
• Listener mailbag: Couzini calls for Boone’s firing and praises Don Mattingly

Yankees Trivia 🤔

Who has the most wins in a single season for NY?

Answer: Jack Chesbro, 41 W in 1904

This episode: Who is the only team in the AL the Yankees have never faced in the playoffs?

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The 2025 Yankees season is officially over. In this emotional instant reaction episode, Chris and the Podcast Paisan (AJ) host what feels like the Bronx Bombers’ postseason wake. The Yankees’ offense went silent once again, managing only three hits through eight innings before falling 5–2 to the Blue Jays in Game 4. Despite Cam Schlittler’s strong start, sloppy defense from Jazz Chisholm and a quiet lineup sealed their fate.

Chris and AJ unpack the collapse—Volpe’s alarming strikeout rate, the team’s one-dimensional hitting philosophy, and Boone’s ongoing managerial issues. From comparing the Yankees’ analytical approach to other AL contenders to venting about situational hitting and poor at-bats, the guys reflect on a season of “what ifs.” They also share lighter moments about fandom, future roster shakeups, and what comes next for Chase for 28 as they look toward 2026.

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The Yankees aren’t dead yet! In Game 3 of the ALDS, Aaron Judge put the team on his back as the Bronx Bombers stormed back from a 6–1 deficit to defeat the Blue Jays and keep their season alive. Chris and the Podcast Paisan (AJ) break down every emotional moment—from Rodón’s early collapse to the bullpen’s lockdown effort and Judge’s MVP-caliber leadership that sparked the comeback.

Despite leaving eight runners on base, the Yankees went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position and finally showed the timely hitting that’s been missing all series. Stanton and Wells delivered clutch two-out RBIs, Ben Rice chipped in with a key sacrifice fly, and the bullpen trio of Cruz, Bednar, and Duvall sealed the deal. With Cam Schlittler on deck for Game 4, Chris and AJ look ahead to a potential series-tying performance as “Stan-tober” finally starts to heat up in the Bronx.

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The Bronx Bombers are on the ropes. In this Game 2 postgame reaction episode, Chris and the Podcast Paisan (AJ) try to make sense of a disastrous weekend in Toronto as the Yankees fall behind 0–2 in the ALDS after a 13–7 loss. Despite scoring late against Toronto’s bullpen, the early innings were defined by rookie Trey Yesavage, who threw 5.1 no-hit innings and racked up 11 strikeouts in just his fourth career start.

The guys vent their frustration over Aaron Boone’s bullpen choices, the offense’s lack of adjustments to Yesavage’s splitter, and questionable decisions like Ryan McMahon bunting in the eighth inning. They break down why Will Warren was used in long relief, share insights from Joba Chamberlain himself, and debate whether Carlos Rodón can keep the series alive back home in the Bronx. Despite the bleak outlook, the crew—bolstered by a voicemail from young fan Kellen—finds a spark of hope for Game 3.

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The Yankees’ postseason run hit its first bump north of the border as Toronto dominated Game 1 of the ALDS with a 10–1 victory at Rogers Centre. Despite the lopsided score, host Chris Nesi reminds fans that the effort on the field wasn’t nearly as bad as the final line suggested. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. put on a two-way clinic, flashing leather and launching a homer, while Alejandro Kirk surprised everyone with two of his own.

Luis Gil’s short outing forced the Yankees to tap deep into their bullpen—using six pitchers—and things unraveled from there. But even in the loss, Chris remains confident the Yankees will bounce back, predicting a four-game series win with Max Fried taking the mound against rookie Trey Yesavage in Game 2. With Rodón and Schlittler lined up for Games 3 and 4, the path to the ALCS is still wide open. Plus, Chris breaks down key at-bats, bullpen decisions, and why the offense must wake up fast if the Yankees want to “Chase for 28” to stay alive.

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Episode 115 of Chase for 28 sets the stage for the American League Division Series between the Yankees and the Blue Jays. Chris and the Podcast Padre rewind the Wild Card win, revisit last episode’s trivia answer, and look ahead to a best-of-five series that promises pressure-packed baseball.

The conversation dives into pitching matchups (Luis Gil, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Cam Schlittler vs. Gausman, Bieber, and a rookie arm), positional advantages across the diamond, and why the Yankees’ ability to handle pressure could be the deciding factor. They also discuss the impact of injuries (Bellinger’s heel, Bichette’s absence, Berríos’ elbow), the role of contact hitting, and whether Toronto’s layoff helps or hurts them. Predictions are made for both the Yankees’ series and across the league, while SeatGeek powers another sponsorship shoutout. The episode wraps with a brand-new trivia challenge digging into Yankees pitching history.

Yankees Trivia 🤔

Name the 5 Yankees who have homered twice in one inning.

Answer: DiMaggio, ARod, Torres, Pepitone, Cliff Johnson

This episode: What pitcher holds the record for most wins in one season?

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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The Yankees survive and advance! In this Wild Card Game 3 recap, Chris, AJ, and the Podcast Padre celebrate a 4–0 shutout over the Boston Red Sox, powered by rookie sensation Cam Schlittler’s historic postseason performance. Schlittler became the only pitcher in MLB history to throw 8+ innings with 12 strikeouts, no walks, and no runs allowed in a playoff start.

From Rosario’s clutch RBI to McMahon’s jaw-dropping defensive play, the guys break down every moment that fueled the victory. They also highlight Wells’ steady at-bats, Volpe’s resurgence, and Stanton’s looming “Stan-tober” breakout. Plus, fan favorite Kellen calls in with his take on the win, and the crew looks ahead to the ALDS against the Blue Jays, where pitching matchups and lineup decisions will be under the microscope.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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In this bonus episode of the "Chase for 28" podcast, we dive deep into the Yankees' exhilarating victory in Game Two of the Wild Card series. Host Chris is joined by the Podcast Padre and the Podcast Paisano, providing a lively discussion filled with instant reactions and analysis of the game. Listeners can expect to hear insights on key player performances, strategic decisions by Aaron Boone, and what the Yankees need to do to push forward in the playoffs.

Key takeaways include a breakdown of Carlos Rodon’s pitching performance, the crucial role of Ben Rice, and thoughts on the team's lineup adjustments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Instant reactions to Game Two
• Pitching performances: Carlos Rodon and the bullpen
• Lineup strategies and player highlights, including Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton
• Discussion of playoff nerves and rookie performances
• Predictions for Game 3

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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Game 1 of the Wild Card series had everything October baseball promises—tension, drama, and heartbreak in the Bronx. In front of 47,000-plus fans at Yankee Stadium, Max Fried delivered a gem and Anthony Volpe provided an early spark with a solo shot. But the night unraveled in the seventh inning when the Yankees’ bullpen faltered, giving the Red Sox the opening they needed.

Garrett Crochet turned in a historic performance for Boston, striking out 11 Yankees over 7.2 innings, while former Yankee Aroldis Chapman slammed the door in the ninth. Despite loading the bases with no outs in their final at-bat, the Yankees couldn’t cash in. Chris breaks down the pivotal moments, from Luke Weaver’s missed chance to Yoshida’s clutch pinch-hit and Bregman’s insurance RBI. With Carlos Rodón set to start Game 2, the Yankees are now fighting for survival in this best-of-three series.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Anthony Volpe’s early home run gives Yankees a 1–0 lead
• Max Fried delivers 6.1 shutout innings, earning a standing ovation
• Seventh inning collapse: Weaver’s walk, Sogard’s hustle, Yoshida’s clutch single
• Garrett Crochet’s dominant postseason debut: 7.2 IP, 11 K, 0 BB
• Ninth inning heartbreak: Story’s single and steal, Bregman’s RBI double
• Yankees load the bases in the ninth but Chapman slams the door
• Missed opportunities: 5 left on base, bullpen inconsistencies
• Boone’s questionable lineup and bullpen management decisions
• Game 2 preview: Carlos Rodón vs. Brayan Bello—win or go home

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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Merch 👕

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