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?

You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you!

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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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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?

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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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.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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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.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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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.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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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.

Bullpen Q&A ☎️

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