The Chase for 28 - A Yankees Podcast

Christopher J. Nesi

Join Chris, John "The Podcast Padre" Nesi, & AJ "The Podcast Paisan" Bianco as they break down the latest Yankees news every week.

  1. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    BONUS: ALWC Game 2 Reaction (9/30/26)

    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. Topics DiscussedHow 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. Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    BONUS: ALWC Game 1 Reaction (9/29/26)

    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. Topics DiscussedHow 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. Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  3. Sep 12

    George Lombard Jr., Cam Schlittler, and the Yankees' October Push (9/12/26) - CF28-131

    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. Topics DiscussedWhy 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. Yankees TriviaThere 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 YoungThis 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? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  4. Aug 4

    Did Brian Cashman Just Gamble Away the Yankees' Season? (8/4/26) - CF28-130

    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. Topics DiscussedWhy 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. Yankees TriviaName 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. Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  5. Jul 27

    Trade Deadline Pressure Is Building in the Bronx (7/27/26) - CF28-129

    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. Topics DiscussedWhy 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? Yankees TriviaWhich 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.) Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  6. Jul 14

    Yankees Midseason Report Card: Who Earned an A...and Who Failed? (7/14/26) - CF28-128

    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. Topics DiscussedWhy 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. Yankees TriviaName the 3 Yankees besides Aaron Judge to win the AL MVP award 3 times with the Yankees.Answer: Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey MantleThis Episode: Which New York Yankees player is the only Yankee in franchise history to hit for the cycle three times during his career? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  7. Jun 20

    Judge Out, Kids Up, and Life Is Good (6/20/26) - CF28-127

    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. Topics DiscussedYankees move into first place in the AL EastCurrent standings and playoff outlookWhy weekly baseball analysis beats daily overreactionsAaron Judge injury update and expected return timelineBen Rice's All-Star caseHome Run Derby concernsSpencer Jones getting everyday opportunitiesJasson Domínguez continuing to developGiancarlo Stanton's lingering injury situationGoldschmidt's resurgence at first baseThe Yankees' ongoing catching problemsAnthony Volpe's future with the organizationBullpen concerns heading toward the trade deadlineCam Schlittler's continued emergencePotential trade deadline targetsTarik Skubal discussionUpcoming schedule and All-Star break outlookCelebrating the Knicks championshipRetirement reflections from the Podcast Padre Yankees TriviaSince 2000, only two Yankees have won the American League MVP Award. Aaron Judge is one. Who is the other?Answer: Alex RodriguezThis Episode: Name the 3 Yankees besides Aaron Judge to win the AL MVP award 3 times with the Yankees. Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

  8. May 30

    Gerrit Cole Is Back and the Yankees Are Right There (5/29/26) - CF28-126

    The Yankees close out May sitting just 1.5 games behind Tampa Bay and firmly in the hunt for the top spot in the American League East. After splitting a four-game series with Toronto, battling the Rays, and sweeping the Royals, Chris and the Podcast Padre examine a team that continues to ride the roller coaster of streaky baseball while staying near the top of the standings. The biggest story? Gerrit Cole is back. The ace returned with two dominant scoreless outings, giving Yankees fans hope that the rotation could become one of baseball's best once everyone is healthy. The guys also discuss Jazz Chisholm's hot streak, Anthony Volpe's recent resurgence, trade deadline possibilities, lingering concerns at catcher and third base, and why Aaron Judge's "slow start" would still be a career year for almost anyone else. Topics DiscussedYankees split four-game series with TorontoRays series and the postponed game controversySweep of the Kansas City RoyalsAL East standings updateGerrit Cole's successful return to the rotationCarlos Rodón continuing to struggleJazz Chisholm's offensive resurgenceCody Bellinger's contributionsStanton's extended absenceDomínguez injury updateSpencer Jones' first MLB opportunityAnthony Volpe's improved play and future roleCaballero's versatility and valuePotential trade deadline targetsCatcher and third base concernsCam Schlittler's emergenceCarlos Lagrange's progress in Triple-AAaron Judge's surprisingly productive "slow start" Yankees TriviaWhich New York Yankees player became the first rookie in franchise history to hit 50 home runs in a season?Answer: Aaron Judge (2017)This Episode: Since 2000, only two Yankees have won the American League MVP Award. Aaron Judge is one. Who is the other? Bullpen Q&A ☎️You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you! Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemailEmail us: feedback@chasefor28.comConnect on X: @chasefor28podConnect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod Merch 👕 Podcast and Select Player Shirts SeatGeek 🎟 Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase. Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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Join Chris, John "The Podcast Padre" Nesi, & AJ "The Podcast Paisan" Bianco as they break down the latest Yankees news every week.

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