The Chase for 28 - A Yankees Podcast

The Yankees are eliminated, and the frustration is real.

After Tampa Bay defeats New York 4–3 to complete the sweep, Chris and AJ immediately dive into everything that went wrong—not just in the final game, but with the larger Yankees organization.

The conversation starts with the lineup and quickly expands into a much bigger question: Is changing the manager enough, or does the Yankees' entire approach to building and managing the roster need to change?

Chris argues that the Yankees have become too dependent on home runs, too unwilling to manufacture runs, and too reliant on analytics when the situation calls for simply playing baseball. AJ pushes back on some of the calls for Aaron Boone's firing while agreeing that the organization continues to think it is something it isn't.

They break down the final game, including Max Fried's performance, the Yankees' inability to capitalize on opportunities, Spencer Jones' baserunning situation, the team's lack of situational execution, and another postseason loss at Yankee Stadium.

The bigger discussion looks toward 2027: Aaron Boone, Trent Grisham, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, roster construction, payroll, analytics, the Dodgers, the Rays and whether the Yankees are willing to fundamentally change.

The 2026 season is over.

Now the real offseason begins.

• Why Chris believes the Yankees need to change their organizational approach.
• Why the Yankees' inability to manufacture runs became such a major problem.
• Why Spencer Jones' baserunning opportunity became a point of frustration.
• What Chris and AJ think about Max Fried's final postseason start.
• Why the Yankees' dependence on the home run continues to frustrate the hosts.
• Why Aaron Boone's future is a major offseason question.
• Whether changing the manager would actually solve the Yankees' problems.
• What the Rays and Dodgers demonstrate about roster construction and organizational philosophy.
• Why analytics aren't necessarily the problem—but how the Yankees may be using them ineffectively.
• What could happen to players such as Trent Grisham, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Anthony Volpe?
• Why the Yankees' 2027 offseason could be one of the organization's most important in years.

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Five errors. Four hits. Two playoff games. And suddenly the Yankees are staring at a problem that feels much bigger than one bad night.

Chris and AJ react immediately to the Yankees' Game 2 loss and try to make sense of another frustrating postseason performance. The offense continues to struggle, the defense completely lets the pitching staff down, and the Yankees find themselves relying on their pitchers to be nearly perfect just to have a chance.

But the frustration goes beyond Game 2.

Are these simply mistakes by individual players, or is there something fundamentally wrong with how the Yankees are constructed? Chris and AJ question the organization's roster-building philosophy, lineup decisions, player development, and whether the Yankees are doing enough to maximize the remaining years of Aaron Judge's championship window.

They also look at the emergence of younger players like Ben Rice and George Lombard Jr., debate who should actually be on the field, and wonder how much longer fans should expect the same approach to produce different results.

And with the Yankees now needing to fight their way back into the series, there's only one question left:

Can they actually turn this thing around—or are we already looking toward the offseason?

Listen for the immediate reaction, the frustration, the roster questions, and the familiar feeling that the Yankees may be running out of time.

• Why the Yankees' defense became such a major factor in Game 2.
• Why relying on pitching to win consistently isn't a sustainable postseason strategy.
• How the Yankees' offensive struggles have continued into the playoffs.
• Why Chris and AJ believe the problems may extend beyond individual players.
• What five defensive errors say about the team's overall preparation and construction.
• Why Aaron Judge's championship window adds urgency to the Yankees' situation.
• Which younger players could represent part of the Yankees' future.
• Why the Yankees' lineup decisions are drawing criticism.
• How other organizations appear to be getting more out of their players.
• Why the Yankees may need to rethink their organizational philosophy.

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The Yankees had the pitching. They had the opportunity. They just couldn't hit.

Game 1 of the ALDS ends with Tampa Bay winning 1–0, and Yankees fans are left wondering how an offense with this much talent managed to produce so little.

Chris and AJ react immediately after the loss, breaking down a frustrating night that featured 12 Yankees strikeouts, almost no quality at-bats, and an offense that couldn't capitalize on Gerrit Cole's strong start. Cole allowed just one run over five innings, while the bullpen kept Tampa Bay from adding to its lead.

They also revisit Austin Wells' decision to try for third base after finally breaking through with the Yankees' first hit, debate whether Giancarlo Stanton should have been on the postseason roster, and question some of the Yankees' late-game decisions—including the bunt attempt by Ryan McMahon.

But the conversation isn't entirely negative. The Yankees still have their biggest advantage: pitching. Chris and AJ look ahead to Game 2, discuss the expected pitching matchup, and try to figure out whether the Yankees can turn things around before returning home.

Because one loss in a playoff series doesn't decide anything.

But the offense needs to wake up.

• Why the Yankees' offensive approach was so frustrating in Game 1
• How 12 strikeouts contributed to an almost completely stagnant offense
• Why Gerrit Cole's performance wasn't the problem
• What went wrong on Austin Wells' attempt to reach third base
• Why the decision to bring Giancarlo Stanton into the game was questioned
• Why the McMahon bunt attempt didn't make sense to Chris and AJ
• How the Yankees' pitching gives them a path back into the series
• Why Game 2 could completely change the complexion of the ALDS
• Why one 1–0 loss shouldn't cause Yankees fans to panic
• What the Yankees need from their offense moving forward

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Fourteen hits. Nine runs. Boston eliminated.

The Yankees are moving on to the ALDS after a 9-2 victory, and this bonus episode of Chase for 28 comes together immediately after the final out. Chris and AJ break down a night where virtually the entire lineup contributed and the Yankees' offense finally looked like the group they hoped would show up in October.

Max Fried settled in for six innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out six. Behind him, the Yankees' lineup produced up and down the order, with Cody Bellinger driving in four runs, Jazz Chisholm Jr. scoring twice, and Luis Garcia going 3-for-5. Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., Trent Grisham, Austin Wells, and others all chipped in as New York piled up 14 hits.

But it wasn't a perfect night.

Chris and AJ have plenty to say about the decision to send Ben Rice home on a ball hit in front of him, especially with Spencer Jones waiting at the plate. They also discuss the Yankees' pitching plans, the potential role of Aaron Judge, the roster decisions still to come, and what awaits New York in the ALDS.

Plus, the guys check in on the rest of the postseason, including Atlanta-Philadelphia, San Diego-Chicago, and the Dodgers.

The Yankees are moving on.

And Tampa Bay is next.

• How Max Fried performed under the pressure of a potential elimination game.
• Why the Yankees' 14-hit offensive performance matters heading into the ALDS.
• Which Yankees hitters broke through after struggling to find their first playoff hits.
• Why Chris and AJ disagreed with the decision to send Ben Rice home.
• How the Yankees' baserunning could still create problems in October.
• What the Yankees' potential ALDS pitching rotation could look like.
• Why Aaron Judge's potential return remains an important roster question.
• How the Yankees' offensive production changes the outlook heading into Tampa Bay.
• What Chris and AJ think about the other remaining postseason series.
• Why the Yankees' next series carries much bigger stakes than simply advancing to the next round.

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Cam Schlittler just delivered the kind of postseason performance Yankees fans dream about.

Six and a third innings. Two hits. One walk. Ten strikeouts. Zero runs. A career-high pitches in the postseason. Against the Red Sox.

Chris and AJ break down a dominant 9-0 Yankees victory that puts New York one win away from advancing. Schlittler set the tone, and the offense eventually turned a close game into a celebration. Ben Rice provided the fireworks with a grand slam and six RBI, while George Lombard Jr. announced himself with a three-hit, two-run performance.

The conversation also dives into some of the biggest roster and lineup questions surrounding the Yankees. Why was Aaron Judge left off the Wild Card roster? What does Giancarlo Stanton's activation actually mean? Has Anthony Volpe played himself into a bigger role? And could the Yankees roll out an extremely left-handed lineup against Sonny Gray in Game 2?

There was also plenty of appreciation for Austin Wells' contribution, Spencer Jones' performance, the Yankees' defensive improvements, and the strategic decisions that could shape the next game.

The Yankees have one more win to get. Let's talk about it.

• How Cam Schlittler dominated Boston in his second postseason start against the Red Sox.
• Why Schlittler's 10-strikeout shutout performance was especially significant in Yankees-Red Sox postseason history.
• How Ben Rice transformed Game 1 with a grand slam and six RBI.
• Why George Lombard Jr.'s three-hit performance matters beyond one playoff game.
• What Aaron Judge's absence from the Wild Card roster means for the Yankees.
• Why Giancarlo Stanton's activation surprised Chris and AJ.
• How Anthony Volpe's performance could affect the Yankees' defensive alignment and lineup.
• Why the hosts questioned the Yankees' decision not to bunt in a key early-game situation.
• What Spencer Jones' splits against left-handed pitching could mean for Game 2.
• What the Yankees' potential Game 2 lineup could look like against Sonny Gray.

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The Yankees are playing good baseball—and suddenly, the path to October looks a lot more interesting.

Since the last episode, the roster has changed, young players have emerged, Aaron Judge has returned, and the Yankees have put themselves in position to make a serious push for the AL East. But even with the offense clicking and the rotation looking dangerous, one major question still hangs over this team: Can the bullpen hold up when October arrives?

Chris breaks down the Yankees' recent surge and the players shaping the stretch run, including George Lombard Jr., Anthony Volpe, Aaron Judge, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole.

Can the Yankees catch Tampa Bay? Is George Lombard Jr. already changing the future of the franchise? Should Cam Schlittler get the ball in Game 1 of a postseason series? And is the Yankees bullpen the one weakness that could derail everything?

The final weeks of the regular season are here.

The chase is officially on.

• Why the Yankees' recent record has changed the conversation around their season.
• How the upcoming series against Tampa Bay could shape the AL East race.
• Why George Lombard Jr. has quickly become an important part of the Yankees' future.
• What Anthony Volpe's return could mean for the Yankees moving forward.
• How Aaron Judge's presence changes the way opposing pitchers attack the lineup.
• Why the bullpen remains the Yankees' biggest unanswered question.
• Why Chris believes Cam Schlittler should start Game 1 in October.
• How Will Warren could become an unexpected postseason bullpen weapon.
• Why Max Fried's ability to pitch deep into games could be critical.
• Why the Yankees' four-man postseason rotation could be among the best in baseball.

• There are 13 players in Yankees franchise history whose last names begin with the letter “Y.” Name at least three of them.
• Answer: Ryan Yarbrough, Kevin Youkilis, Miguel Yajure, Ed Yarnall, Kirby Yates, George Yeager, Joe Yeager, Stan Yerkes, Jim York, Chris Young, Curt Young, Eric Young Jr., Ralph Young
• This Episode: Which legendary Yankees pitcher previously held the franchise record for the most starts allowing one or zero runs in a single season—a benchmark set during the 1978 season?

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Sometimes the biggest story isn't the trade a team makes. It's the ones they don't.

Brian Cashman had every opportunity to reshape the Yankees before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline. Instead, he added Luis Garcia Jr. and Heliot Ramos while leaving the bullpen, catching position, and several other needs untouched.

That decision tells us everything about how the Yankees view this roster.

In Episode 130, Chris examines the five major bets the Yankees are making for the remainder of the season, including Aaron Judge's recovery, the return of key injured players, George Lombard Jr.'s promotion, and whether the bullpen can solve its own problems without outside help.

Is this disciplined roster management in a weak trade market? Or will we look back at this deadline as the moment the Yankees failed to capitalize on a championship opportunity?

With playoff positioning still within reach, every one of these decisions will be under the microscope over the final two months of the season.

• Why Brian Cashman's quiet deadline may be the boldest move he made.
• How Aaron Judge's recovery impacts the Yankees' championship hopes.
• Why George Lombard Jr.'s promotion could shape the franchise's future.
• What Luis Garcia Jr. and Heliot Ramos are expected to contribute immediately.
• Why the bullpen remains the club's biggest unanswered question.
• How protecting top prospects factored into the Yankees' deadline strategy.
• The biggest arguments for and against the Yankees' conservative approach.
• What history tells us about successful trade deadlines.
• Why October baseball is often decided by the smallest roster improvements.
• Whether the Yankees still have enough to win the American League East.

• Name the Yankees who had four doubles in one game. (A hint - one did it in 1944, the other in 1974.)
• Answer: Johnny Lindel (1944) & Jim Mason (1974)
• This Episode: 9 players in Yankees history have had a last name that started with 'Y.' Name three of these players.

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The Yankees are still in the hunt, but running it back isn't an option anymore.

With the trade deadline just days away, every roster decision carries extra weight. Injuries have forced new faces into the lineup, while inconsistent production at key positions has fans wondering whether this team has enough to make a deep October run.

Chris and the Podcast Padre take a hard look at where the Yankees must improve before the deadline, debate whether Anthony Volpe has exhausted his opportunities, discuss George Lombard Jr.'s readiness for the big leagues, and examine why catcher has quietly become one of the club's biggest concerns.

They also revisit one of baseball's greatest "what if" scenarios: What if the Yankees had signed Bryce Harper instead of acquiring Giancarlo Stanton?

If you're counting down to the trade deadline, this conversation will leave you thinking about what the Yankees should do—and what they absolutely cannot afford not to do.

• Why the trade deadline could define the Yankees' entire season.
• How injuries to Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger impact roster strategy.
• Why George Lombard Jr. may deserve an immediate promotion.
• What Anthony Volpe's recent struggles mean for his future.
• Which positions should the Yankees prioritize before the deadline?
• How Jason Domínguez has quietly improved over the past month.
• Why has the catching position become a growing concern?
• How Max Fried's return strengthens the rotation.
• What Bryce Harper's career says about one of the Yankees' biggest missed opportunities.
• Which upcoming series could shape the AL East race?

• Which New York Yankees player is the only Yankee in franchise history to hit for the cycle three times during his career?
• Answer: Bob Meusel is the only New York Yankees player in franchise history to hit for the cycle three times. May 7, 1921: First career cycle against the Washington Senators.July 3, 1922: Second career cycle against the Philadelphia Athletics.July 26, 1928: Third career cycle against the Washington Senators.
• This Episode: Name the Yankees who had four doubles in one game. (A hint - one did it in 1944, the other in 1974.)

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The All-Star break offers every team a chance to reset—but for the Yankees, it also forces some uncomfortable questions.

Is another summer slump simply part of the season, or is it exposing deeper issues? Can the offense rebound without Aaron Judge? Should the Yankees seriously consider protecting their franchise player by moving him into a full-time designated hitter role? And how aggressive should Brian Cashman be before the trade deadline?

Chris and the Podcast Padre take a comprehensive look at where the Yankees stand halfway through the 2026 season, handing out midseason report cards for the roster, evaluating Aaron Boone's performance, and discussing which players have exceeded expectations—and which still have plenty to prove.

The conversation also explores Ben Rice's memorable Home Run Derby appearance with his father, the growing concerns surrounding Anthony Volpe, encouraging signs from the pitching staff, and why the Yankees may need both another bullpen arm and another impact bat before the postseason race heats up.

Whether you're optimistic about the second half or wondering if this team has what it takes to contend for another championship, this episode breaks down the biggest storylines every Yankees fan should be watching as the stretch run begins.

• Why Aaron Judge's long-term position could become one of the Yankees' biggest organizational decisions.
• How the Yankees' recent summer slump has changed the AL East race.
• Which players have earned the highest midseason grades—and which still need to improve.
• Why Ben Rice continues to exceed expectations despite recent struggles.
• How the Yankees' pitching staff has kept the team competitive through injuries.
• What Anthony Volpe must improve to regain confidence as the Yankees' everyday shortstop.
• Which areas of the roster should be addressed before the trade deadline.
• Why roster flexibility remains so important when building a championship contender.
• How prospects like George Lombard Jr. and Carlos Lagrange could impact the Yankees later this season.
• What the hosts believe will determine whether the Yankees can make a deep postseason run.

• Name the 3 Yankees besides Aaron Judge to win the AL MVP award 3 times with the Yankees.
• Answer: Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle
• This Episode: Which New York Yankees player is the only Yankee in franchise history to hit for the cycle three times during his career?

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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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