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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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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