The New York Yankees are anticipated to be major players in this year's MLB free agency. While the baseball community awaits Juan Soto's decision, the Yankees have already started exploring other top free agents.

According to Michael Kay on The Michael Kay Show, the Yankees had a productive 90-minute Zoom call with left-handed pitcher Max Fried. Kay reported that sources close to Fried indicated he "really, really" liked the team and that another meeting is already in the works. Fried, who is 30 years old, has spent the last eight years with the Atlanta Braves. Over 168 career appearances, including 151 starts, he has compiled a 3.07 ERA, an 8.8 K/9 rate, and 73 wins. He is a two-time All-Star and was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2022.

In the previous season, Fried made 29 starts and posted a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks over 174 1/3 innings, marking his fifth consecutive season with an ERA below 3.50.

From the Yankees' perspective, Fried is an appealing candidate. He is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers available in free agency and would significantly enhance their starting rotation, which currently includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.

​As the Yankees continue their pursuit of top talent, the potential addition of Fried could be a key move to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

The New York Yankees are expressing interest in reuniting with right-hander Tommy Kahnle, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kahnle has also garnered interest from at least seven other clubs, but he remains hopeful for a return to the Bronx, where he has previously stated his desire to continue his career. Alongside Kahnle, Clay Holmes and Tim Hill are also free agents from the Yankees' bullpen this offseason, with Holmes expected to sign elsewhere.

Kahnle, 35, and the Yankees have a long-standing history together. New York originally drafted him in the fifth round of the 2010 Draft, only to lose him to the Rockies in the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. He was reacquired from the White Sox at the 2017 trade deadline and later signed as a free agent for the 2022-23 offseason. Over parts of six seasons with the Yankees, Kahnle has posted a solid 3.31 ERA out of the bullpen.

In his most recent stint with the Yankees, Kahnle recorded a 2.38 ERA across 83 1/3 innings between 2023-24, striking out 27.3% of batters while walking 11%. Despite shoulder issues limiting his availability, he managed to effectively control home runs (1.08 HR/9) at Yankee Stadium, thanks to his heavy reliance on a changeup that neutralized left-handed hitters. Lefties hit just .172/.267/.338 against him in that span, with Kahnle's changeup accounting for nearly three-quarters of his pitches. This approach also helped him maintain a strong ground ball rate of 54.1%, with an impressive 58.9% in 2024.

​Given the Yankees' preference for grounder-heavy pitchers in their bullpen, a return for Kahnle could align well with their strategy. His combination of experience and effectiveness, despite recent injuries, makes him an appealing option as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, the mutual interest between Kahnle and the Yankees may lead to another reunion on the field.

Derek Jeter’s legendary career with the New York Yankees is forever etched in the memories of baseball fans, and now two of his most iconic moments, “The Swing” and “The Jump,” have been immortalized in a stunning collection of artworks titled JETER.

In collaboration with renowned artist Russell Young, Jeter hand-selected and reimagined these iconic images into 12 large-scale paintings, each captured in Young’s signature style of screen printing and finished with “Diamond Dust.” The collection features six paintings of each portrait, alongside a variety of works hand-signed by both Jeter and Young, making each piece a unique and valuable collectible.

The JETER collection was first unveiled on October 24 at Taglialatella Galleries in New York. Fans and art enthusiasts alike had the opportunity to witness these captivating pieces before they make their way to Art Miami, where they will be displayed from December 3-8. This prestigious art fair provides an ideal setting to celebrate the intersection of sports and art, showcasing Jeter's legacy in a whole new light.

A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of these artworks will be donated to two important causes: Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, which aims to help young people avoid drug and alcohol addiction and to reward academic excellence, and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, which focuses on preserving and protecting the ocean and wildlife, as well as advancing the arts.

Nick Korniloff, the executive vice president and director of Art Miami, highlighted the uniqueness of this collaboration, stating, “When we look at the overall sports world, all the great legends and champions have dabbled in the art world a little bit with their image being utilized, but not everyone has had their image commemorated with a real artist, so to speak. These works are unique in the sense that each one is an individual piece of art that has its own color on distinction hand touched by the artist, signed by the athlete, Derek, and also the artist, and they're also authenticated by MLB.”

This collection not only captures the essence of Jeter’s legendary moments on the baseball field but also elevates them to the realm of fine art, celebrating his impact both in sports and beyond. Fans and collectors have the rare opportunity to own a piece of history, beautifully reimagined through the lens of artistic excellence.

​As Jeter’s image continues to inspire and resonate, the JETER collection stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and the power of art to transcend and immortalize the unforgettable moments that define a champion.

The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly placed star third baseman Nolan Arenado on the trade market, according to NJ.com's Randy Miller. Both of this year's World Series participants, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, are said to be interested in acquiring the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner.

During an appearance on WFAN Radio on Saturday, Miller mentioned, "One guy that could be a possibility [for the Yankees] is Arenado from St. Louis. I think the Cardinals are trying to trade him, and St. Louis would have to pick up some of the money. Maybe the Yankees could have a deal where they trade some prospects." Miller also noted that Arenado, a West Coast native, might prefer to join the Dodgers, and that the Dodgers are keen on adding him to their roster.

The Cardinals' decision to trade Arenado comes as part of their strategy to reset and focus on player development, especially after a disappointing season. Arenado, who has a no-trade clause, has expressed willingness to move to first base if it helps facilitate a trade, showcasing his commitment to continue competing at a high level.

​As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Yankees or Dodgers can put together a compelling offer to land the talented third baseman. Stay tuned for more updates as the trade talks develop!

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are reportedly gearing up for a fierce competition to sign free agent outfielder Juan Soto.

Early Offers and Competitive Bids
MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Tuesday that the Red Sox have emerged as serious contenders for Soto, following a recent pitch to the 26-year-old star. By Wednesday, Heyman noted that the Yankees had responded with an improved bid, indicating that the situation around Soto "remains fluid." The Yankees have also conveyed their willingness to include opt-out clauses in Soto's new contract.

Ongoing Negotiations
With the first round of Soto's free agency bidding effectively over, the next round has already begun. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have upped their offers, and it is expected that other interested teams, including the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, will adjust their initial offers as well. Heyman described the Soto sweepstakes as being in the "middle innings," suggesting that the final decision could still be some time away.

Potential Contract Value
​Soto's new contract is anticipated to be substantial, potentially worth up to $700 million. As a transformative player, Soto has the ability to significantly impact any franchise he joins. This high-stakes bidding war reflects the intense interest and competition among teams eager to secure his talents.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are not only two of the top contenders in the race to sign Juan Soto, but they may also find themselves in a bidding war for another big-name free agent this offseason.

Interest in Blake Snell
Both the Yankees and Red Sox were interested in acquiring left-handed starter Blake Snell. However, Snell reached a five-year, $182 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, leaving the two rivals to explore other options.

Focus on Max Fried
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Yankees and Red Sox are now focusing their attention on Max Fried, the top remaining left-handed starter on the free-agent market. Fried has garnered significant interest, particularly after Snell's departure from the market.

Competition for Fried
The competition for Fried is fierce. In addition to the Yankees and Red Sox, other teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays—both AL East rivals—are also in the mix. Beyond these teams, many clubs are in need of starting pitching, making the market for Fried highly competitive.
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As the offseason progresses, the Yankees and Red Sox will continue their pursuit of key players to bolster their rosters. The race to sign Fried will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, adding another layer of intrigue to the storied rivalry between these two franchises.

In a move that could significantly bolster their starting rotation, the New York Yankees are reportedly showing "mutual interest" in acquiring right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This development comes from MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, who suggests that Buehler could be eyeing a fresh start in the Bronx after an injury-plagued season.

Buehler's 2024 Season
Walker Buehler's 2024 season was a mixed bag as he struggled to regain his form following his second Tommy John surgery. Although largely ineffective during much of the season, Buehler displayed glimpses of his former All-Star caliber late in the year. Notably, he delivered six scoreless innings in the World Series, including a five-inning start in Game 3 and a clutch one-inning appearance out of the bullpen in Game 5, which he closed out at Yankee Stadium.

A Potential Fresh Start
At 30 years old, Buehler is a former first-round draft pick who has been one of baseball's top pitchers. His 2021 season stands out as a highlight, where he finished fourth in the National League Cy Young voting thanks to a stellar 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts over 207 2/3 innings. This performance solidified his reputation as a top-tier pitcher, making the possibility of him joining the Yankees an exciting prospect for fans and analysts alike.

Yankees' Offseason Strategy
​The Yankees are looking to enhance their pitching staff this offseason, and acquiring a pitcher of Buehler's caliber would be a significant move. His potential addition to the rotation would provide a much-needed boost, especially if he can return to his pre-injury form. As talks progress, the baseball community will be eagerly watching to see if this mutual interest culminates in a deal that brings Buehler to Yankee Stadium.

In a season filled with remarkable performances, New York Yankees' star Aaron Judge has once again proven his dominance in Major League Baseball by winning the 2024 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Judge, who previously won the MVP in 2022, received all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), making him the unanimous choice for the prestigious award1.

Judge's 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. He led the majors with an impressive 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and a .322 batting average. His on-base percentage (.458) and slugging percentage (.701) were equally outstanding, contributing to an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.159, the highest in the league. Judge also topped the AL with 392 total bases and 133 walks, showcasing his all-around offensive prowess.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Judge's season was his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Despite a slow start in March and April, where he was batting just .197, Judge caught fire in May and never looked back. He went on to hit .352 with 52 home runs and 126 RBIs in 127 games, helping the Yankees secure the AL East title with an impressive 94-68 record.

Judge's performance this season placed him among the elite in MLB history. He became only the fifth player to hit 50 or more home runs in three different seasons and joined the ranks of legends like Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds with his exceptional OPS+. His 2024 campaign was also historic in terms of his adjusted OPS, which was the sixth-highest figure in MLB's integrated era.

While Judge's regular-season achievements were extraordinary, his postseason performance was a bit more mixed. He struggled at the plate, hitting just .184 with three home runs and nine RBIs over 14 playoff games1. Despite this, his regular-season excellence was enough to secure the MVP award, which is based on performance through the end of the regular season.

Judge's second MVP award cements his legacy as one of the game's greats and continues the Yankees' tradition of producing MVP winners. With 22 MVP awards in franchise history, the Yankees lead all MLB teams in this category. Judge's achievement also highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work, as he overcame early-season struggles to deliver a season for the ages.

As fans and analysts reflect on Judge's incredible 2024 season, it's clear that his impact on the game will be felt for years to come. His combination of power, discipline, and consistency sets a high bar for future players and solidifies his place among the all-time greats of baseball.

The New York Yankees have successfully retained their ace, Gerrit Cole, without extending his contract beyond its current term, which runs through 2028. Despite this, team owner Hal Steinbrenner remains hopeful that Cole will eventually retire in Pinstripes.

While discussing the decision to keep Cole on his existing contract rather than extending it through 2029, Steinbrenner emphasized the organization's high regard for the pitcher. "Let me just say, that doesn't reflect in any way, shape, or form what we think of Gerrit. We want Gerrit to be a Yankee for life," Steinbrenner told reporters.

Steinbrenner also conveyed that Cole shares this sentiment. "I believe he wants to be a Yankee for life. And adding one more year or not adding one more year should have no meaning when it comes to that," he added.

Initially, Cole triggered an opt-out clause in his contract, potentially making him a free agent. However, he chose to continue with the Yankees under the original deal, which will pay him $144 million through 2028. The Yankees could have voided Cole's opt-out by adding another year and $36 million to the contract, but Steinbrenner was not comfortable committing to a fifth year.

Cole's 2024 season was marred by injuries, leading to an 8-5 record, a 3.41 ERA, and 99 strikeouts in 17 starts. Nevertheless, he excelled in the playoffs, helping the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009. Cole started five games in the postseason, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.17 ERA and 22 strikeouts. He allowed just one earned run in the World Series, though the Yankees ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

​Retaining Cole adds stability to the Yankees' pitching staff and allows Steinbrenner and the front office to concentrate on retaining prized free agent Juan Soto. With Cole anchoring the rotation, the Yankees are well-positioned to build on their recent success and aim for another deep playoff run.

In a recent development, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner confirmed that the team’s officials held a meeting with free agent slugger Juan Soto in California. Steinbrenner described the encounter as a "good meeting" that featured "very honest back-and-forth dialogue," though he refrained from sharing many specifics.

"Our fans really enjoyed having him in New York," Steinbrenner remarked Wednesday at the MLB owners' meetings. "He's definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series. I've got ears. I know what's expected of me. So, look, it's been a priority. We wouldn't have gone out to the West Coast if it wasn't."

The Yankees' delegation for the meeting included general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, president Randy Levine, and Omar Minaya, a special assistant to the general manager. While Steinbrenner did not disclose the details of the team’s pitch to Soto or any offers made, he did mention that he assured Soto of establishing a relationship akin to those he has with franchise stars Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge if Soto decides to re-sign with the Yankees. He also noted that Soto inquired about the organization's player development system.

When asked about his confidence in re-signing Soto, Steinbrenner responded, "No idea. We'll be in the mix. I'll leave it at that."

Beyond the Yankees, Soto has met with several other teams over the past week, including the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets, supported by owner Steve Cohen's substantial resources, are seen as the Yankees' main competition for Soto's signature.

"I could say that about a couple other owners too," Steinbrenner said, addressing concerns about Cohen's spending power. "Or corporations, for that matter, that represent the ownership group. So, I mean, of course it's a concern."

The Yankees previously acquired Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres last December in exchange for five players. At the time, the Yankees understood that retaining Soto, an accomplished three-time All-Star entering his age-25 season, would necessitate a substantial investment. Soto's stellar 2024 season further increased his market value, as he formed a powerful partnership with Judge.

In 2024, the 26-year-old right fielder hit a career-high 41 home runs, with a .288 batting average, .989 OPS, 129 walks, and an American League-leading 128 runs scored. His outstanding performance earned him his fourth All-Star selection and an 8.1 fWAR, ranking fourth in the majors. Soto’s combination of production and entertainment value helped lead the Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009.

Soto's impending free agency initially led the Washington Nationals to trade him in July 2022 after he declined a 15-year, $440 million offer. This situation eventually prompted the Padres to trade him last year. Now, Soto is expected to secure a contract exceeding $500 million, potentially setting new records for total value and annual average value.

Last offseason, Steinbrenner mentioned that the Yankees had a "walkaway" number when negotiating with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ultimately signed with the Dodgers. He indicated that he hasn't applied this concept to Soto yet.

With Soto's $31 million salary for 2024, the Yankees had about $80 million in free agent contracts coming off their books, having managed a $300-million-plus luxury tax payroll. Steinbrenner reiterated that maintaining such a high payroll is not sustainable.

​This meeting and the potential re-signing of Soto represent significant considerations for the Yankees' future, as they aim to balance their financial strategy with the pursuit of top-tier talent.

The New York Yankees have bolstered their 40-man roster by selecting infielder Caleb Durbin and catcher/infielder/outfielder Jesus Rodriguez, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Additionally, the Yankees have announced the return of right-hander Carson Coleman from the Texas Rangers. With these changes, the Yankees' roster now stands at 39 players.

Caleb Durbin, who will turn 25 in February, joined the Yankees from the Atlanta Braves in a December 2022 trade involving Lucas Luetge. Since then, Durbin has demonstrated strong performance across multiple minor league levels. Over 697 plate appearances, he has maintained a .287/.391/.440 batting line, with an 11.3% walk rate and an impressive 8.3% strikeout rate. Durbin's offensive consistency and his ability to steal 67 bases in 79 attempts have made him a valuable asset. His versatility allows him to cover all three infield positions, excluding first base, and also play in the outfield.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has high expectations for Durbin, indicating that he could play a significant role in the upcoming season. With Gleyber Torres entering free agency, the second base position is open, and Durbin could either secure a regular spot, serve as a utility player, or provide depth from the minors.

Jesus Rodriguez, 22, is further from making his major league debut but has shown great promise in the minors. With 1,168 plate appearances, Rodriguez has posted a .311/.397/.477 line, achieving a 143 wRC+ by striking out just 14.3% of the time while walking at a robust 11.6% rate. Rodriguez's versatility extends beyond catching, as he has also played left field and various infield positions. Although he needs more seasoning in the minors, his potential warranted protection from the Rule 5 draft.

Carson Coleman returns to the Yankees after being selected by the Rangers in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. Coleman spent all of the 2024 season on the injured list following Tommy John surgery. The Rangers, unable to activate him, decided to return him, avoiding the Rule 5 restrictions for the upcoming season. The Yankees now have the flexibility to reintegrate Coleman without the immediate need for a 40-man roster spot.

​These roster moves underline the Yankees' strategy to safeguard their emerging talents while preparing for the future. As Durbin and Rodriguez continue their development, fans can anticipate their potential contributions to the major league team.

The future of star outfielder Juan Soto appears to be leaning towards a move to one of New York's two baseball teams. According to industry insiders, a fierce bidding war between the Yankees and Mets is expected to determine Soto's next destination.

ESPN New York's Michael Kay has suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen is prepared to make a "Godfather offer" to lure Soto away from the Yankees. This aggressive approach could involve a contract exceeding $700 million, a figure that might be too steep for the Yankees, who are mindful of luxury tax implications.

While the Yankees have the advantage of familiarity, the Mets' deep pockets and Cohen's willingness to spend could sway Soto's decision. The Mets' recent playoff run and Cohen's commitment to building a championship team could further enhance their appeal to the talented outfielder.

​As the offseason progresses, fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes free agency battle. The future of one of baseball's brightest stars hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher.

The New York Yankees have added two experienced players to their minor league system, signing infielder Pablo Reyes and right-hander Cristian Hernandez to minor league deals.

Reyes, a versatile infielder, has bounced around the league in recent years. He had a strong 2021 season with the Boston Red Sox, but struggled to replicate that success in 2022 with the New York Mets' Triple-A affiliate. Known for his defensive prowess, Reyes can play multiple positions on the field.

Hernandez, a 24-year-old right-hander, has spent his entire career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has primarily been a reliever, but he could potentially transition to a swingman role in the future. Hernandez has shown promise in the minor leagues, posting solid numbers in Double-A.

​These signings provide the Yankees with additional depth options for their minor league system. While neither player is expected to make an immediate impact on the major league roster, they could contribute at the Triple-A level or potentially be called up in case of injuries or underperformance.

Star outfielder Juan Soto is casting a wide net in free agency, with the Los Angeles Dodgers now joining the list of teams he'll be meeting with. This comes after reports of his meeting with the New York Yankees, their World Series rivals from last season.

While the Dodgers might be considered a rival for Soto considering his brief stint with the San Diego Padres before joining the Yankees, free agency removes team loyalty from the equation. Soto is now chasing the best possible offer both in terms of money and a winning environment.

The Dodgers, as the reigning World Series champions, undoubtedly offer a strong chance for Soto to win another ring. However, their financial capabilities might be a question mark. With significant financial commitments made last offseason for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, exceeding $1 billion in total, the Dodgers might be hesitant to meet the $500 million - $600 million price tag that Soto could command.

​This opens the door for the Yankees or the New York Mets, both in the same market as the Yankees, to potentially outbid the Dodgers. Their need for a star like Soto and their willingness to overpay could be a deciding factor in Soto's final decision.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes and New York Yankees' Luis Gil have been named the 2024 National League and American League Rookies of the Year, respectively.

Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, had a historic rookie season, dominating hitters with his electric fastball and devastating breaking pitches. He finished the year with an impressive 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. His 170 strikeouts set a franchise rookie record.

In the American League, Gil's breakout season earned him the Rookie of the Year award. After missing most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, Gil returned stronger than ever, posting a 3.50 ERA and striking out 26.8% of batters faced.

​Both players have bright futures ahead of them and are poised to become key contributors to their respective teams for years to come.

While the season ended in disappointing fashion for the New York Yankees, particularly with that horrific fifth inning in Game 5, it was the Bronx Bombers' best year in more than a decade. Many factors contributed to their success, including another stellar season from Aaron Judge, the resurgence of Giancarlo Stanton, and a strong pitching staff.

However, it was the addition of Juan Soto in the offseason that seemed to put the Yankees over the top, as he delivered an MVP-caliber performance. As the Yankees made it all the way to the World Series, the expectation was that this success and the promise of more to come would be enough to persuade Soto to re-sign. Yet, as the hot-stove season begins, Soto has not yet signed on the dotted line, leaving the Yankees to contemplate their backup plan should he decide to take his talents elsewhere.

Recently, the Yankees have been linked to a trio of first basemen as potential alternatives. One of the most prominent names is Pete Alonso, another New York slugger awaiting a new contract. Although Alonso didn’t have a standout regular season, he came alive in the playoffs and helped the Mets come within a few wins of facing the Yankees for the championship. With the team deciding not to pick up the option on Anthony Rizzo, first base is open, making Alonso a potential fit alongside Judge and Stanton.

Another name on the Yankees' radar is free-agent first baseman Christian Walker. There were also rumblings, particularly during the summer, that New York might be interested in trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, since none of these players are outfielders, the Yankees might need to make another move to bring in someone for the outfield position.

One player who has recently garnered attention is Teoscar Hernandez, whom the Yankees saw up close during the World Series. Hernandez, although two years older than Soto, has comparable numbers in terms of home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage. Moreover, Hernandez plays the outfield and would likely be a more affordable option. The downside is that at age 32, he is six years older than Soto and may not have as many productive years left.

Anthony Santander is another player on the Yankees' radar. Although he doesn’t have Soto’s numbers (who does?), he is a switch-hitter with good power who can play the outfield.

Alternatively, the Yankees might consider not trying to replace Soto immediately. Instead, they could focus on retooling their pitching staff by bringing in players like Blake Snell or Max Fried. This approach would give young talents like Jasson Dominguez a chance to earn their pinstripes. If necessary, the Yankees could look to make a significant acquisition before the trade deadline, potentially targeting one of the aforementioned players.

​As the offseason progresses, the Yankees' front office will be under pressure to make strategic decisions to maintain their competitive edge. Whether they succeed in re-signing Soto or pursue alternative options, their moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The Hudson Valley Renegades, in a bid to celebrate the core aspects of their home state, have introduced a new alternate identity called the "Big Apples." This exciting unveiling took place at a gala event on Friday morning and marks a significant nod to both the region's rich apple heritage and the iconic Big Apple, New York City.

The Significance of Big Apples
New York state ranks as the second-largest producer of apples in the United States, with the Hudson Valley region being a hub of apple orchards. This new identity, therefore, complements the Renegades' previous local food-themed identity, the Cider Donuts. Additionally, the Big Apples name pays homage to New York City, approximately 100 miles south of the Hudson Valley. The Renegades' affiliation with the Yankees since 2021 further solidifies this connection.

Design and Inspiration
The Renegades will debut their Big Apples uniforms on three occasions in 2025: July 26, August 15, and September 4. These logos and uniforms, designed by San Diego-based Brandiose, feature the primary logo character named Empire. Empire references both New York's nickname and a variety of apples first cultivated in the state. Empire is depicted holding the Statue of Liberty's torch in his left hand and wearing a giant foam finger on his right. The design incorporates a blue and gold color scheme inspired by the New York state flag.

Historical Tie-Ins and Celebration
"We were really intentional about when we wanted the first [Big Apples] game to be," said Vasile. "July 26 coincides with the date in 1788 when New York signed the Constitution and officially became a state. The New York ratifying convention took place in Poughkeepsie at the Dutchess County courthouse, just 25 miles north of the ballpark."

The unveiling event at Heritage Financial Park featured representatives from apple orchards throughout the region. The Renegades also announced the continuation of their partnership with Hudson North Cider, which had previously collaborated with the team on a Cider Donuts-inspired beverage. This partnership will now extend to a special Big Apple cider using apples from New Paltz, a nearby town.

Merchandise and Fan Engagement
Big Apples merchandise is now available both at the ballpark and online. While the Renegades gained notoriety for their scented Cider Donuts merchandise, the Big Apples offerings are currently aroma-free. "We talked about it, but couldn't figure out what we wanted the smell to be," said Vasile. "Apple-scented would probably be too close to what we had with Cider Donuts, and then it's, well, what kind of smell would make it smell like New York?"

​The introduction of the Big Apples identity is a celebration of the Hudson Valley Renegades' local roots and their connection to New York's rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Fans can look forward to seeing the team don their new uniforms in 2025, bringing a fresh and exciting element to the game.

Alex Verdugo, who recently joined the New York Yankees following a trade from the Red Sox, maintains that he harbors no ill will towards Boston manager Alex Cora, despite being benched twice last season.
​
Verdugo, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, spent three seasons under Cora's leadership before the rare trade between the AL East rivals in December.

"It's one of those things that, it's a little bit weird, because outside of the game, he was great. Even as a manager, he's a good manager," Verdugo said Thursday from the Yankees' Camp.
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"In certain ways, 'AC' was hard on me, but I don't have any hard feelings toward him. It's one of those things. Toward the end, we kind of ran our course out a little bit," Verdugo said. "But as a person and outside of baseball, I loved him. I loved his kids, his family."

Nice to hear these quotes as this was a major story all winter.

"I don't want to leave," the 27-year-old infielder Gleyer Torres said Wednesday. "I want to be a Yankee for life."

With a one-year, $14.2 million contract, Torres is poised to hit free agency following the World Series. Despite his eligibility, there have been no talks regarding a long-term deal, a stance he comprehends. This reluctance may stem from the team's experience with two prominent players who failed to meet expectations: Luis Severino and Aaron Hicks.
Severino secured a deal in February 2019 worth $52.25 million over five seasons, but his performance was limited to 40 starts and five relief appearances, resulting in a 13-12 record with a 4.47 ERA. Similarly, Hicks signed a contract in the same month, spanning seven years and totaling $70 million from 2019 to 2025. However, he faced numerous injuries and posted a .218 batting average with 31 home runs and 145 RBIs across 303 games before being released in May

We know what's happened in the past, and I don't blame them. That's the business," Torres said. "So if I [have] a really good year and put [up] really good numbers, I think we can get a conversation, for sure."

"I can't lie," Torres said. "I just think sometimes maybe that I'm starting my last year here because I don't know what's the business plan next year. But, man, it's just like, motivate myself. Like I always say, we play for another team sometimes, and it's a business."

One of the biggest pieces, if not the biggest, piece of the Yankees lineup shared some interesting comments about the injury that affected his 2023 season, and might linger for the rest of his career.

"Anything with injuries like that, you’ve just got to stay on top of it so it doesn’t flare up again or something doesn’t happen again," Judge explained while speaking with reporters, as shared by Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "So we’re feeling good right now. We’re out there, we’re moving, we’re grooving. We’re gonna try to keep it that way." 

"Well, I keep getting hurt in right field, so that’s why I think they moved me to center field so I don’t get hurt over there," Judge said on Tuesday. "There’s definitely a gear, I think it’s just about playing smarter, understanding the field, understanding the dimensions. In that case (at Dodger Stadium), I thought I had one extra step, and I didn’t in that situation. That always goes back on me. I gotta be a little smarter there. Just like this year, gotta play smart. I don’t think there’ll be any cement bottoms of walls in center field hopefully." 

​Following the Yankees' acquisition of All-Star outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in December, multiple knowledgeable individuals cautioned the 6-foot-7 Judge against making a permanent switch to center field. Nevertheless, the 2022 American League Most Valuable Player is slated to start the 2024 season in center field. Despite Opening Day being a month away, Judge managed to find humor in the situation, making light of the topic.

Per a tweet from Mark Feinsand, Free Agent stud Pitcher Blake Snell has a contract offer from the New York Yankees.

The Angels and Giants are also options for the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

This report comes directly after USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Yankees still have “serious interest” in Snell.
​The team reportedly offered him five years and $150 million earlier this offseason before pivoting to Marcus Stroman, per Nightengale.