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. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. May 18

    Yankees Slumping Again? Spencer Jones Arrives as Questions Grow (5/17/26) - CF28-125

    The Yankees are hitting another rough patch — but should fans actually panic? In Episode 125 of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre break down the latest Yankees slump after difficult series against Milwaukee, Baltimore, and the Mets. While the pitching continues to carry much of the load, offensive inconsistencies, struggling veterans, and roster questions are becoming impossible to ignore. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Spencer Jones has officially arrived in the Bronx and is already flashing elite athleticism and potential. The guys discuss what his call-up means for the future of the outfield, why the Yankees may need to rethink Anthony Volpe’s role entirely, and whether this team still has a clear path to the World Series despite the recent struggles. Plus: Rodón concerns, bullpen talk, Stanton frustration, trade deadline speculation, and a classic Yankees fan emotional roller coaster. Topics DiscussedYankees recent struggles after hot startSeries losses to Brewers, Orioles, and MetsSpencer Jones’ MLB debut and early impressionsDefensive highlights and offensive upside from JonesGiancarlo Stanton injury frustrations continueThoughts on Domínguez, Bellinger, and outfield constructionCarlos Rodón’s disappointing returnOffensive inconsistency across the lineupTrent Grisham struggles at the plateVolpe’s future with the organizationCaballero injury impactMarco Luciano discussion as alternative infield optionJazz Chisholm’s strange superstition involving borrowed pants 👀Cam Schlittler emerging as AL Cy Young candidateGerrit Cole rehab updatePotential trade deadline needsWhy the Yankees may prioritize bullpen help Yankees TriviaWho are the last three Yankees to be named World Series MVP?Answer: Matsui (2009), Jeter (2000), Rivera (1999)This Episode: Which New York Yankees player became the first rookie in franchise history to hit 50 home runs in a 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!

  7. May 2

    Yankees at 21–11: Best in the AL (5/2/26) - CF28-124

    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. Topics DiscussedYankees improve to 21–11 (Best record in AL)Series wins vs. Astros and RangersStrong start to Orioles seriesPitching continues to dominate (Warren, Fried, rotation depth)Bullpen consistency and reliabilityOffensive inconsistencies despite winningAaron Judge & Ben Rice making MLB historyBen Rice’s continued breakout (11 HR, 26 RBI)Bellinger expectations vs. current productionTrent Grisham struggles and roster concernsJason Domínguez return and role moving forwardStanton injury (10-day IL — skepticism on timeline)Anthony Volpe service time situationYankees upcoming schedule: Rangers, Brewers, Orioles, Mets Yankees TriviaWho was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run?Answer: Lindy McDaniel (1972) and IKF (2023)This Episode: Who are the last three Yankees to be named World Series MVP? 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. Apr 25

    Yankees Rolling at 17–9: Pitching Carrying the Load… But Is It Enough? (4/25/26) - CF28-123

    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. Topics DiscussedYankees improve to 17–9 (8–2 in last 10)Sweeps of the Royals and Red SoxStrong start vs. struggling AstrosPitching dominance carrying the teamMax Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Luis Gil performancesGerrit Cole rehab progress and timelineOffensive inconsistency despite winsBen Rice emerging as a top hitterBottom-of-the-lineup production improvingAaron Judge power vs. average conversationAustin Wells’ offensive struggles vs. defensive valueStanton injury concern (again)Jason Domínguez (“The Martian”) knocking on the doorRoster decisions when Volpe returnsYankees upcoming schedule (Rangers, Orioles, May outlook) Yankees TriviaWhich Yankees pitcher threw a no-hitter in 2021?Answer: Corey Kluber, 5/19/21 @ TexasThis Episode: Who was the last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run? 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

About

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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