Spring Training is fully underway, with position players reporting at the beginning of this week. Here are some notes and takeaways from the Yankees’ camp so far.
Aaron Judge Talks New Contract
Aaron Judge has been one of the most productive players in baseball since his rookie season in 2017. However, he has struggled with injuries that have kept him from staying on the field consistently in that span.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Judge was asked about a potential contract extension. Here’s what the outfielder had to say:
“Nothing on our end. Nothing from the Yankees,” Judge said. He continued, saying, “It’s something I don’t really want to focus on right now. I’m focused on trying to win and that’s it. Just do my job and like I said, they’ve got other things to focus on right now, things that are going to help us be a better team.”
Judge referenced the Yankees’ offseason priorities, such as re-signing D.J. LeMahieu and Brett Gardner, as reasons why the Bronx Bombers did not start any negotiations.
However, if Judge can put together a fully-healthy campaign, negotiations would likely ramp up rather quickly. He will be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2022 season.
Judge also drew some attention on Tuesday for other reasons.
The big outfielder arrived at Spring Training with some perfectly straight pearly whites. Here’s a look, via CBS Sports’ Danny Vietti:
Judge’s smile may be more conventionally pretty now, but his gap-toothed grin was endearing, honestly. It was almost a signature, like Michael Strahan and his famous smile.
However, if Judge got them adjusted, clearly it’s because he wanted to. It’s pretty difficult to deny that logic, and hopefully the big man is enjoying his new grin.
Domingo Gérman Addresses Yankees
On Friday, I wrote about Domingo Gérman and the distractions that his actions have caused. On Tuesday, it was reported that the right-hander addressed the team personally, regarding his conduct.
Due to COVID restrictions, he spoke to two separate groups: pitchers and catchers, then position players. Manager Aaron Boone said, “It was a good step.”
“I think in looking at it, it was something important to happen, and I think gave everyone the chance to kind of get in a room and really start that conversation if there’s any conversations to be had individually, which I think have happened,” Boone continued.
The manager also said that the team will “support” Gérman going forward, which appears to dispel any notion that he would leave the Yankees, at least for the time being. This will certainly be a story to watch going forward.
Gerrit Cole Speaks Out Against Service Time
In the aftermath of Kevin Mather’s, uh, candid conversation (to put it lightly), Gerrit Cole had some strong words regarding service time manipulation.
Speaking to the press via Zoom on Tuesday, Cole said, “”It’s tired, man, and I think players are over it. And if they haven’t been awakened to that type of behavior, that’s what goes on.”
In a video conversation with a local Rotary Club, Mather (then-President of the Seattle Mariners) openly discussed the practice of holding players in the minor leagues for longer than necessary, in order to extend team control in the future. He resigned from the position on Monday.
Cole continued, saying, “That’s just not productive for anyone. It’s not productive for the product. You’re not putting the best players on the field for people to see. This guy’s talking about players that are making him money. The product is the people that he’s talking poorly about.”
If anything, the comments will give the MLBPA some serious talking points when the CBA expires at the end of the 2021 season. Twins infielder Josh Donaldson acknowledged this on Twitter, as well:
Luis Medina: Yankees’ Breakout Prospect?
The Yankees currently boast several high-end prospects in their pipeline, but one who could make an impact this season may not be someone that first comes to mind.
Luis Medina is currently ranked as the #11 prospect in the Yankees’ system, according to MLB.com. Although the website lists Medina’s expected debut to come in 2022, it could be even sooner.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Aaron Boone was asked if Medina could potentially make his debut in 2021. His answer?
“I wouldn’t put anything past it,” Boone said. He elaborated, saying, “He’s somebody that we’re very excited about and somebody that has a ton of talent. I feel like he has matured a lot since I’ve gotten to see him and know him over this last year. So, you never know what can happen this year, but he’s somebody that we feel like has a bright future and a major-league future.”
Medina was named pitcher of the year in the Puerto Rican Winter League, allowing a single run across 16 and 2/3 innings. In addition, he struck out 32 batters in that span, while issuing just 6 walks.
With Clarke Schmidt sidelined for several weeks, Medina will have more eyes on him for the foreseeable future. He could be a player to watch moving forward.
