The Yankees are back in first place, holding a three-game lead in the AL East despite missing Aaron Judge and dealing with multiple injuries throughout the roster. In Episode 127 of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre break down a month of Yankees baseball, including the emergence of Spencer Jones, continued contributions from Jasson Domínguez, and a team that keeps finding ways to win.

The guys discuss Gerrit Cole's return, the bullpen's continued inconsistency, trade deadline priorities, the catching situation, and whether Anthony Volpe still has a long-term future in the Bronx. Plus, a celebration of the Knicks' championship run, retirement reflections from the Podcast Padre, and another Yankees trivia question for the listeners.

1. Yankees move into first place in the AL East
2. Current standings and playoff outlook
3. Why weekly baseball analysis beats daily overreactions
4. Aaron Judge injury update and expected return timeline
5. Ben Rice's All-Star case
6. Home Run Derby concerns
7. Spencer Jones getting everyday opportunities
8. Jasson Domínguez continuing to develop
9. Giancarlo Stanton's lingering injury situation
10. Goldschmidt's resurgence at first base
11. The Yankees' ongoing catching problems
12. Anthony Volpe's future with the organization
13. Bullpen concerns heading toward the trade deadline
14. Cam Schlittler's continued emergence
15. Potential trade deadline targets
16. Tarik Skubal discussion
17. Upcoming schedule and All-Star break outlook
18. Celebrating the Knicks championship
19. Retirement reflections from the Podcast Padre

1. Since 2000, only two Yankees have won the American League MVP Award. Aaron Judge is one. Who is the other?
2. Answer: Alex Rodriguez
3. This Episode: Name the 3 Yankees besides Aaron Judge to win the AL MVP award 3 times with the Yankees.

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The Yankees close out May sitting just 1.5 games behind Tampa Bay and firmly in the hunt for the top spot in the American League East. After splitting a four-game series with Toronto, battling the Rays, and sweeping the Royals, Chris and the Podcast Padre examine a team that continues to ride the roller coaster of streaky baseball while staying near the top of the standings.

The biggest story? Gerrit Cole is back. The ace returned with two dominant scoreless outings, giving Yankees fans hope that the rotation could become one of baseball's best once everyone is healthy. The guys also discuss Jazz Chisholm's hot streak, Anthony Volpe's recent resurgence, trade deadline possibilities, lingering concerns at catcher and third base, and why Aaron Judge's "slow start" would still be a career year for almost anyone else.

1. Yankees split four-game series with Toronto
2. Rays series and the postponed game controversy
3. Sweep of the Kansas City Royals
4. AL East standings update
5. Gerrit Cole's successful return to the rotation
6. Carlos Rodón continuing to struggle
7. Jazz Chisholm's offensive resurgence
8. Cody Bellinger's contributions
9. Stanton's extended absence
10. Domínguez injury update
11. Spencer Jones' first MLB opportunity
12. Anthony Volpe's improved play and future role
13. Caballero's versatility and value
14. Potential trade deadline targets
15. Catcher and third base concerns
16. Cam Schlittler's emergence
17. Carlos Lagrange's progress in Triple-A
18. Aaron Judge's surprisingly productive "slow start"

1. Which New York Yankees player became the first rookie in franchise history to hit 50 home runs in a season?
2. Answer: Aaron Judge (2017)
3. This Episode: Since 2000, only two Yankees have won the American League MVP Award. Aaron Judge is one. Who is the other?

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The Yankees are hitting another rough patch — but should fans actually panic?

In Episode 125 of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre break down the latest Yankees slump after difficult series against Milwaukee, Baltimore, and the Mets. While the pitching continues to carry much of the load, offensive inconsistencies, struggling veterans, and roster questions are becoming impossible to ignore.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Spencer Jones has officially arrived in the Bronx and is already flashing elite athleticism and potential. The guys discuss what his call-up means for the future of the outfield, why the Yankees may need to rethink Anthony Volpe’s role entirely, and whether this team still has a clear path to the World Series despite the recent struggles.

Plus: Rodón concerns, bullpen talk, Stanton frustration, trade deadline speculation, and a classic Yankees fan emotional roller coaster.

1. Yankees recent struggles after hot start
2. Series losses to Brewers, Orioles, and Mets
3. Spencer Jones’ MLB debut and early impressions
4. Defensive highlights and offensive upside from Jones
5. Giancarlo Stanton injury frustrations continue
6. Thoughts on Domínguez, Bellinger, and outfield construction
7. Carlos Rodón’s disappointing return
8. Offensive inconsistency across the lineup
9. Trent Grisham struggles at the plate
10. Volpe’s future with the organization
11. Caballero injury impact
12. Marco Luciano discussion as alternative infield option
13. Jazz Chisholm’s strange superstition involving borrowed pants 👀
14. Cam Schlittler emerging as AL Cy Young candidate
15. Gerrit Cole rehab update
16. Potential trade deadline needs
17. Why the Yankees may prioritize bullpen help

1. Who are the last three Yankees to be named World Series MVP?
2. Answer: Matsui (2009), Jeter (2000), Rivera (1999)
3. This Episode: Which New York Yankees player became the first rookie in franchise history to hit 50 home runs in a season?

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The Yankees just keep winning.

Now sitting at 21–11 and holding the best record in the American League, the Bronx Bombers are stacking series wins and riding dominant pitching to early-season success. Chris and the Podcast Padre break down another strong week, including series wins over Houston and Texas and a big start to the Orioles series.

But even with the wins piling up, there are still real questions. The pitching has been elite—but can the offense find consistency? What’s going on with the bottom of the lineup, and how long can they carry weak spots like center field and third base?

Plus, updates on Stanton’s latest injury, Volpe’s roster situation, and why this team still feels like a work in progress despite the record.

1. Yankees improve to 21–11 (Best record in AL)
2. Series wins vs. Astros and Rangers
3. Strong start to Orioles series
4. Pitching continues to dominate (Warren, Fried, rotation depth)
5. Bullpen consistency and reliability
6. Offensive inconsistencies despite winning
7. Aaron Judge & Ben Rice making MLB history
8. Ben Rice’s continued breakout (11 HR, 26 RBI)
9. Bellinger expectations vs. current production
10. Trent Grisham struggles and roster concerns
11. Jason Domínguez return and role moving forward
12. Stanton injury (10-day IL — skepticism on timeline)
13. Anthony Volpe service time situation
14. Yankees upcoming schedule: Rangers, Brewers, Orioles, Mets

1. Who was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run?
2. Answer: Lindy McDaniel (1972) and IKF (2023)
3. This Episode: Who are the last three Yankees to be named World Series MVP?

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The Yankees are rolling.

After sweeping the Royals and Red Sox and taking down the Astros, the Bronx Bombers sit at 17–9—and riding high. But on The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre aren’t ready to crown this team just yet.

This episode dives into what’s fueling the Yankees’ success right now—dominant pitching, timely hitting, and contributions from the bottom of the lineup—while also addressing the glaring concern: inconsistent offense. Is this a more balanced team, or are the cracks already showing?

Plus, a deep dive into roster decisions, Ben Rice’s emergence, Stanton’s latest injury scare, and what could be next for “The Martian.” It’s a week of wins—but still plenty to figure out.

1. Yankees improve to 17–9 (8–2 in last 10)
2. Sweeps of the Royals and Red Sox
3. Strong start vs. struggling Astros
4. Pitching dominance carrying the team
5. Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Luis Gil performances
6. Gerrit Cole rehab progress and timeline
7. Offensive inconsistency despite wins
8. Ben Rice emerging as a top hitter
9. Bottom-of-the-lineup production improving
10. Aaron Judge power vs. average conversation
11. Austin Wells’ offensive struggles vs. defensive value
12. Stanton injury concern (again)
13. Jason Domínguez (“The Martian”) knocking on the door
14. Roster decisions when Volpe returns
15. Yankees upcoming schedule (Rangers, Orioles, May outlook)

1. Which Yankees pitcher threw a no-hitter in 2021?
2. Answer: Corey Kluber, 5/19/21 @ Texas
3. This Episode: Who was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run?

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On Episode 122 of Chase for 28, Chris and the podcast Padre talk through what’s been bothering Yankee fans in the middle of April—the uneasy feeling that things haven’t been clicking offensively, and that the bullpen has had its share of rough moments lately. They break down the Yankees’ current form, spotlight which parts of the lineup are producing (and which ones still need to wake up), and explain why it’s still not “panic time” even if the results haven’t looked great in recent stretches.

The episode also looks ahead to roster and lineup possibilities as key players work their way back—especially the discussion around injury rehab timelines and what it could mean for the rotation. Along the way, they celebrate standout performances, dig into strategy (and the small mistakes that swing games), and end with trivia, a shout-out to Padre’s upcoming birthday, and a look at what needs to happen next to turn things around.

1. Yankees’ early-season struggles: why “slumps” are possible and why it’s still early in April
2. Pitching vs. offense: starters holding up, but bullpen inconsistency affecting outcomes
3. Lineup concerns and batting averages (including discussions of players like Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, and others)
4. “Scrappy baseball” approach: put the ball in play, cut strikeouts, keep runners on base
5. Tampa Bay vs. Yankees postseason-style moments (bunts/infield chaos, rule discussion, and defensive misplays)
6. Player return updates:
7. Gerrit Cole rehab start at Double-A Somerset
8. Carlos Rodón rehab/live batting practice and likely rehab games needed
9. Rotation roster question: who becomes the odd man out when Rodón returns
10. Ben Rice backup-catcher discussion and whether he should face more lefties
11. Mike Trout hype moment: back and producing, plus long-term “what could’ve been” injury talk
12. Standings snapshot: Yankees still clustered with others for AL wins

1. Which Yankee is the MLB leader in 1st inning home runs?
2. Answer: Aaron Judge
3. This Episode: Which Yankees pitcher threw a no-hitter in 2021?

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Seven games into the 2026 season, the Yankees are off to another strong start—but should you buy in?

Chris and the Podcast Padre break down the Yankees’ opening week, including a sweep of the Giants, a series win in Seattle, and a successful home opener in the Bronx. While the pitching staff looks dominant and early contributors like Ben Rice are turning heads, the guys keep things grounded—because Yankees fans have seen this script before.

The conversation dives into why early-season success doesn’t guarantee October glory, the importance of staying consistent through inevitable slumps, and how this team might be different.

Plus, thoughts on the ABS challenge system, standout performances, and a major personal announcement from Chris that takes the podcast beyond the Bronx.

• Yankees open 2026 season strong (6–1 start)
• Sweep of the Giants and series win vs. Mariners
• Importance of staying level-headed early in the season
• Pitching dominance led by Max Fried and emerging arms
• Cam Schlittler vs. Paul Skenes comparison
• Offensive inconsistencies despite timely hitting
• Aaron Judge’s power vs. low batting average
• Giancarlo Stanton’s hot start (and expected streakiness)
• Ben Rice’s breakout performance and development
• ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system early impressions
• Umpire struggles and the future of automated calls
• Catcher framing relevance in the ABS era
• Yankees upcoming schedule: Marlins, A’s, Rays
• BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris named PA announcer for the Staten Island FerryHawks

• Which Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in 1998?
• Answer: David Wells
• This Episode: Which Yankees player holds the MLB record for most first-inning home runs in a season?

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The Yankees couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2026 — and Chris and the Podcast Padre are here to break it all down. After opening the season 2-0 with back-to-back shutouts (a franchise first), the early returns point to something Yankees fans have been begging for: dominant pitching and a more balanced offensive approach.

In this episode, the guys react to Opening Day on Netflix, Stanton’s hot start, Judge benefiting from the ABS system, and a lineup that’s producing without relying on the long ball. Plus, a deep dive into the pitching staff’s early dominance, lineup decisions, and what this start might actually mean (or not mean) just two games in. Is this a real shift — or just early-season noise?

1. Yankees open 2026 with back-to-back shutouts (franchise first)
2. Opening Day reactions (including Netflix broadcast)
3. Offensive approach shift: hitting vs. home run reliance
4. Giancarlo Stanton’s strong early performance
5. Aaron Judge and the impact of ABS challenges
6. Pitching dominance: rotation + bullpen early success
7. Lineup construction and platoon decisions
8. Early impressions of depth and roster balance
9. Around the league notes and early surprises
10. Yankees' upcoming schedule (Giants, Mariners, Marlins)

1. Which New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?
2. Answer: Tommy Henrich hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history on October 5, 1949
3. This Episode: Which New York Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in the 1998 season?

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The 2026 season is a week away, and the Yankees are giving us plenty to talk about — both good and bad. In this episode of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre react to the early returns, separating what’s real from what might just be small-sample-size noise.

From early power surges and standout performances to lingering concerns about consistency, approach, and roster construction, the guys break down what’s encouraging and what still feels way too familiar. Is this team actually different — or are we watching a rerun of the same script? Plus, early breakout candidates, red flags to monitor, and what needs to change if the Yankees are serious about chasing No. 28.

1. Yankees offensive identity: power vs. production
2. Pitching staff early performance check
3. Bullpen reliability and usage concerns
4. Lineup construction and consistency issues
5. What feels different (and what doesn’t) from past seasons
6. Keys to sustaining success over a full season

1. Which New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?
2. Answer: Next Episode

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Spring Training is officially underway, and The Chase for 28 is back for Season 6. Chris and the Podcast Padre break down what 2026 really looks like for the Yankees — and whether “running it back” is good enough after another 94-win season that ended without a ring.

The guys dig into lineup concerns (Volpe’s strikeouts, Wells’ development, Jazz aiming for 50/50?!), expectations for Giancarlo Stanton at age 36, and whether Ben Rice is poised for a breakout. On the mound, they evaluate Gerrit Cole’s outlook, the revamped rotation, and what to expect from the young arms. And then… the big question: Should the Yankees go get Bryce Harper? And what would it actually cost?

It’s optimism, frustration, realism — and just enough delusion to believe 2026 might finally be the year.

1. Spring Training Opening Day reactions
2. Yankees “running it back” after 94 wins
3. Volpe’s strikeout problem and long-term concerns
4. Caballero’s opportunity at shortstop
5. Ben Rice breakout expectations
6. Stanton’s role and realistic 2026 production
7. Pitching staff outlook: Cole, Fried, Rodón, youth depth
8. Jazz Chisholm’s 50/50 comments
9. Home runs vs. productive offense philosophy
10. The Bryce Harper trade debate
11. Fan engagement plans for 2026 (voicemails, live streams)

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