{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F0804efc5-46db-4b92-97e1-4e45cd3ca0f2","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Why the Yankees Feel Stuck Heading into 2026 (12/13/25) - CF28117\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/0804efc5-46db-4b92-97e1-4e45cd3ca0f2\"></iframe>","title":"Why the Yankees Feel Stuck Heading into 2026 (12/13/25) - CF28117","description":"<p>The offseason officially rolls on for the <em>Chase for 28</em> 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.</p><p>The conversation spans roster construction, positional logjams, and the growing frustration of running back essentially the same team. They debate Volpe\u2019s future, Ben Rice\u2019s role, the impossibility of moving Giancarlo Stanton\u2019s 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.</p><p>Key Topics Discussed</p><ul><li>Why the Yankees made (and lost) the Trent Grisham qualifying offer gamble</li><li>How MLB qualifying offers work\u2014and why this one backfired</li><li>Has baseball passed Brian Cashman by?</li><li>Analytics vs. \u201cusing your eyes\u201d in roster decisions</li><li>The Yankees\u2019 youth movement paradox: Dom\u00ednguez, Jones, Volpe, Wells</li><li>Ben Rice as catcher or first baseman\u2014and the ripple effects</li><li>Lefty-heavy lineups, balance, and Yankee Stadium roster philosophy</li><li>Frustrations with bottom-of-the-lineup production</li><li>Debating contact hitters vs. power-first approaches</li><li>Asian market targets: Murakami, Okamoto, Imai, and posting-system realities</li><li>Giancarlo Stanton\u2019s contract and the need to free the DH spot</li><li>Pitching reliance: Cole\u2019s age, Rod\u00f3n\u2019s value, and rotation trust</li><li>Lockout speculation and the Dodgers changing the financial landscape</li><li>Are the Yankees still true AL East favorites?</li></ul><p><strong>Yankees Trivia \ud83e\udd14</strong></p><p>Who is the only AL team the Yankees have never faced in the playoffs?</p><p>Answer: Up until 2025 it was the Toronto Blue Jays</p><p>This episode: Name the 3 Yankees who have hit for the cycle more than once.</p><p><strong>Bullpen Q&amp;A \u260e\ufe0f</strong></p><p>You have opinions just like we do so we want to hear from you!</p><p>Email us at <a href=\"mailto:feedback@chasefor28.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">feedback@chasefor28.com</a></p><p><strong>Connect with us on Twitter </strong>@chasefor28pod</p><p><strong>Connect with us on Instagram</strong> @chasefor28pod</p><p><strong>Send a voicemail </strong><a href=\"http://chasefor28.com/voicemail\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">http://chasefor28.com/voicemail</a></p><p><strong>Merch \ud83d\udc55</strong></p><p>Chase for 28 - Podcast and Select Player Shirts - <a href=\"http://chasefor28.com/merch\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">http://chasefor28.com/merch</a></p><p><strong>SeatGeek</strong> \ud83c\udf9f</p><p>Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit <a href=\"http://chasefor28.com/seatgeek\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>chasefor28.com/seatgeek</strong></a> and use promo code '<strong>CHASEFOR28</strong>' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase.</p><p>Support this show <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"payment\" href=\"http://supporter.acast.com/chasefor28\">http://supporter.acast.com/chasefor28</a>.</p><hr>","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/d15c8f3a-83fa-4bfb-b4ec-4399c8dbb305/1603940453463-4328a067c1955e9e40c3116648719ea8.jpeg"}