"Move the Needle," he says.

"It’s a deal the Yankees had to get done. After standing pat and failing to make any major moves thus far into the offseason, it truly began to feel as if it was Bellinger or bust for New York. Fortunately, they’ve managed to retain their top free agent, but does his return truly enhance the team’s chances of winning a World Series?"

You're wrong!

Bellinger returning is important!

 

"Don’t get me wrong. Bellinger returning is important. But the Yankees are effectively back to where they were last season when they were routed in the ALDS by the rival Blue Jays. As it stands, the organization will trot out the same core in 2026 as they did in 2025, while many of their competitors have re-tooled and gotten better."

The Blue Jays lost Bichette, if that helps.

 

"Bellinger’s return seems like the absolute bare minimum for New York. GM Brian Cashman better have a few more moves up his sleeves, because as it stands now, the Yankees don’t look like the best team in the American League, let alone a real threat to dethrone the Dodgers."

So who's the best team in the AL?

I mean, it's just a pretty vague and eye-opening statement to say "many of their competitors have re-tooled and gotten better" without describing who in the AL has "re-tooled and gotten better."

Supposing the Blue Jays were the best team in the AL in 2025 ... they made the World Series and beat the Yankees head to head in the regular season and the playoffs, of course.

Have the Blue Jays moved the needle? If you REALLY like Dylan Cease that much, then go on record and say it.

Who else is in the running?

The Mariners, the Rangers, the Astros, the Red Sox, the Tigers ... have they really re-tooled and moved the needle in a positive direction? "Running back" Tarik Skubal doesn't count.

I like Pete Alonso well enough. Is he going to be worth 20 extra wins for the Orioles?

 

The 2026 Yankees are not an exciting narrative. They are going to slog their way through the regular season with 90+ wins and likely lose in the playoffs again. Same reasons as always. Though maybe this year they catch a few breaks and emerge victorious.

As for Bellinger, he is precisely the type of player that might help get them over the hump.

 

 

PED usage doesn't bother me as much as it bothers many people.

Pettitte has a case. He's 100 games over .500 for his career.

But there are dozens and dozens of players who are more deserving and have waited longer and ... obviously ... if the voters are suddenly forgiving of PED usage in Pettitte's case, I think it's just because he charmed them with an "aw, shucks" persona.