Gary Phillips
@garyhphillips.bsky.social
Yankees beat writer for the New York Daily News
If you're a #Yankees fan and you haven't taken this survey yet, I'd love to get your input!
👉 s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
👉 s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
Attention #Yankees fans: As I await offseason activity & prep for spring training, I'm curious as to what readers want to see more/less of this season with regards to coverage.
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
January 23, 2026 at 2:57 PM
If you're a #Yankees fan and you haven't taken this survey yet, I'd love to get your input!
👉 s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
👉 s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
With Cody Bellinger's new deal, the #Yankees' projected 2026 payroll has surpassed $300M (a figure Hal Steinbrenner called unsustainable), $304M (the highest tax threshold) and, depending on your preferred site of reference, $319M (last year's stated payroll).
And yet, some holes remain:
And yet, some holes remain:
Where does the Yankees’ payroll stand after Cody Bellinger’s new deal?
From the moment the Yankees made their intentions to re-sign Cody Bellinger clear, the likelihood of them keeping their competitive balance tax payroll below $300 million became slim.
www.nydailynews.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:21 PM
With Cody Bellinger's new deal, the #Yankees' projected 2026 payroll has surpassed $300M (a figure Hal Steinbrenner called unsustainable), $304M (the highest tax threshold) and, depending on your preferred site of reference, $319M (last year's stated payroll).
And yet, some holes remain:
And yet, some holes remain:
Reposted by Gary Phillips
Attention #Yankees fans: As I await offseason activity & prep for spring training, I'm curious as to what readers want to see more/less of this season with regards to coverage.
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Attention #Yankees fans: As I await offseason activity & prep for spring training, I'm curious as to what readers want to see more/less of this season with regards to coverage.
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
With Cody Bellinger returning (and Freddy Peralta traded to the #Mets), what can the #Yankees do next?
The Bombers say they like their mostly unchanged roster, but they could still use some pitching & a righty bat.
Plus: how does Jasson Domínguez fit in?
The Bombers say they like their mostly unchanged roster, but they could still use some pitching & a righty bat.
Plus: how does Jasson Domínguez fit in?
With Cody Bellinger coming back, what could the Yankees do next?
Now that the Bellinger box has been checked, Brian Cashman shouldn’t consider the Yankees a finished product.
www.nydailynews.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Cody Bellinger's free agency has come to an end, but his time with the #Yankees will continue.
After much delay, Bellinger has the long-term deal (5 years, $162.5 million + perks) he previously failed to get, while NY lands its top target.
More here:
After much delay, Bellinger has the long-term deal (5 years, $162.5 million + perks) he previously failed to get, while NY lands its top target.
More here:
Cody Bellinger re-signs with Yankees on five-year, $162.5 million deal
When the Bombers’ season came to an end in the ALDS, Bellinger made it known that he would “absolutely” be interested in remaining with the Yankees.
www.nydailynews.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Cody Bellinger's free agency has come to an end, but his time with the #Yankees will continue.
After much delay, Bellinger has the long-term deal (5 years, $162.5 million + perks) he previously failed to get, while NY lands its top target.
More here:
After much delay, Bellinger has the long-term deal (5 years, $162.5 million + perks) he previously failed to get, while NY lands its top target.
More here:
Attention #Yankees fans: As I await offseason activity & prep for spring training, I'm curious as to what readers want to see more/less of this season with regards to coverage.
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Attention #Yankees fans: As I await offseason activity & prep for spring training, I'm curious as to what readers want to see more/less of this season with regards to coverage.
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
If you have the time to complete this quick survey, I'd appreciate it! s.surveyplanet.com/iclo3o9e
With 2 more years of eligibility on the BBWAA ballot, Andy Pettitte still has lots of ground to gain if he is to get into the Hall of Fame. However, the former #Yankees starter saw his vote share increase significantly this year, going from 27.9% to 48.5%.
Former Yankees starter Andy Pettitte receives big boost in Hall of Fame voting
Two former Yankees were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Tuesday night. Another saw his share of the vote drastically increase.
www.nydailynews.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:21 PM
With 2 more years of eligibility on the BBWAA ballot, Andy Pettitte still has lots of ground to gain if he is to get into the Hall of Fame. However, the former #Yankees starter saw his vote share increase significantly this year, going from 27.9% to 48.5%.
The #Yankees signed an OF who can also play 1B on Monday. No, not that guy.
Seth Brown's minor league deal gives NY some organizational depth, though. The former A, a lefty, owns a .712 OPS and 100 wRC+ over parts of 7 seasons.
Seth Brown's minor league deal gives NY some organizational depth, though. The former A, a lefty, owns a .712 OPS and 100 wRC+ over parts of 7 seasons.
Yankees add veteran outfield depth as Cody Bellinger’s free agency continues
Brown gives the Yankees some needed depth at Triple-A.
www.nydailynews.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:38 PM
The #Yankees signed an OF who can also play 1B on Monday. No, not that guy.
Seth Brown's minor league deal gives NY some organizational depth, though. The former A, a lefty, owns a .712 OPS and 100 wRC+ over parts of 7 seasons.
Seth Brown's minor league deal gives NY some organizational depth, though. The former A, a lefty, owns a .712 OPS and 100 wRC+ over parts of 7 seasons.
Ryan Weathers said the deal that sent him from the #Marlins to the #Yankees — the trade partners who brought his dad to the Bronx — came as “pure shock.”
“I just couldn’t believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever have a chance to play for.”
“I just couldn’t believe that the New York Yankees were a team that I could ever have a chance to play for.”
Yankees’ Ryan Weathers to follow in father’s footsteps with the help of a few tweaks
Weathers and the Yankees are hoping that some changes lead to a breakout season for the pitcher.
www.nydailynews.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Not the most relevant topic today, but prior to the Ryan Weathers trade, I had put together a list of platoon outfielders the #Yankees could pivot to if Cody Bellinger ends up elsewhere.
Some notes in here on a few free agents:
Some notes in here on a few free agents:
Platoon options the Yankees could pivot to in left if Cody Bellinger walks
Bellinger’s dragging free agency begs the question: what can the Yankees do in left field if he signs elsewhere?
www.nydailynews.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Not the most relevant topic today, but prior to the Ryan Weathers trade, I had put together a list of platoon outfielders the #Yankees could pivot to if Cody Bellinger ends up elsewhere.
Some notes in here on a few free agents:
Some notes in here on a few free agents:
Ryan Weathers is a nice get for the #Yankees, as the 26-year-old comes with lots of upside, elite stuff & 3 years of control.
He also has injury concerns, which is partly why the Yanks, still capable of such a move, should keep hunting for a frontline SP:
He also has injury concerns, which is partly why the Yanks, still capable of such a move, should keep hunting for a frontline SP:
Ryan Weathers trade shouldn’t stop Yankees from adding another starter
The Yankees added to their rotation depth Tuesday night. They shouldn’t consider the unit complete, though.
www.nydailynews.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Ryan Weathers is a nice get for the #Yankees, as the 26-year-old comes with lots of upside, elite stuff & 3 years of control.
He also has injury concerns, which is partly why the Yanks, still capable of such a move, should keep hunting for a frontline SP:
He also has injury concerns, which is partly why the Yanks, still capable of such a move, should keep hunting for a frontline SP:
As the international signing period nears, the #Yankees still don't have an international scouting director.
Two sources spoke to NYDN Sports about the search – which isn't close to complete – Donny Rowland's exit, the Wandy Asigen situation & more:
Two sources spoke to NYDN Sports about the search – which isn't close to complete – Donny Rowland's exit, the Wandy Asigen situation & more:
Yankees not close to hiring new international scouting director as signing period nears
The Yankees moved on from their previous international scouting director, Donny Rowland, after awarding some pricey bonuses to prospects who didn’t pan out.
www.nydailynews.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:52 PM
As the international signing period nears, the #Yankees still don't have an international scouting director.
Two sources spoke to NYDN Sports about the search – which isn't close to complete – Donny Rowland's exit, the Wandy Asigen situation & more:
Two sources spoke to NYDN Sports about the search – which isn't close to complete – Donny Rowland's exit, the Wandy Asigen situation & more:
New @NYDNSports with @bmadden1954:
The #Yankees have offered Cody Bellinger over $30 million per year, but there's still a notable gap between the two sides as the veteran's free agency (and that of others) lingers.
More here on where things stand:
The #Yankees have offered Cody Bellinger over $30 million per year, but there's still a notable gap between the two sides as the veteran's free agency (and that of others) lingers.
More here on where things stand:
Gap remains between Yankees, Cody Bellinger after offer of more than $30 million annually
With spring training about a month away and Cody Bellinger one of several high-profile free agents lingering in free agency, a gap remains between the outfielder and the Yankees.
www.nydailynews.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:49 PM
New @NYDNSports with @bmadden1954:
The #Yankees have offered Cody Bellinger over $30 million per year, but there's still a notable gap between the two sides as the veteran's free agency (and that of others) lingers.
More here on where things stand:
The #Yankees have offered Cody Bellinger over $30 million per year, but there's still a notable gap between the two sides as the veteran's free agency (and that of others) lingers.
More here on where things stand:
With 2025 almost over, I just wanted to say Happy New Year, and thanks to everyone who supported my work this year!
If you want to look back at some stories from the #Yankees' season, I put together a list of my favorites: ghphillipsblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/29/m...
If you want to look back at some stories from the #Yankees' season, I put together a list of my favorites: ghphillipsblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/29/m...
My Best Writing of 2025
As the clock runs out on 2025, here’s my annual list of my favorite stories from the past 365 days. Before I get to it, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who read my work, helped me out, a…
ghphillipsblog.wordpress.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM
With 2025 almost over, I just wanted to say Happy New Year, and thanks to everyone who supported my work this year!
If you want to look back at some stories from the #Yankees' season, I put together a list of my favorites: ghphillipsblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/29/m...
If you want to look back at some stories from the #Yankees' season, I put together a list of my favorites: ghphillipsblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/29/m...
Some Winter Meetings leftovers on 2 shortstops in the #Yankees' system:
⚾️ Jeff Kent had jokes (and a scouting report) for his son, Kaeden, after getting into the Hall of Fame: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/30/y...
⚾️ Brian Cashman briefly discussed George Lombard Jr.'s development:
⚾️ Jeff Kent had jokes (and a scouting report) for his son, Kaeden, after getting into the Hall of Fame: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/30/y...
⚾️ Brian Cashman briefly discussed George Lombard Jr.'s development:
George Lombard Jr.’s development far from complete with Yankees set to test shortstop depth
There’s no reason to think that George Lombard Jr. will be filling in at shortstop for the Yankees with Anthony Volpe beginning the season on the injured list.
www.nydailynews.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Some Winter Meetings leftovers on 2 shortstops in the #Yankees' system:
⚾️ Jeff Kent had jokes (and a scouting report) for his son, Kaeden, after getting into the Hall of Fame: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/30/y...
⚾️ Brian Cashman briefly discussed George Lombard Jr.'s development:
⚾️ Jeff Kent had jokes (and a scouting report) for his son, Kaeden, after getting into the Hall of Fame: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/30/y...
⚾️ Brian Cashman briefly discussed George Lombard Jr.'s development:
For some #Yankees, the newest faces on Aaron Boone’s staff will be familiar ones, as Dan Fiorito & Jake Hirst bring player development experience & coached NY's younger hitters when they had MiLB success.
Now they have a chance to help in the majors:
Now they have a chance to help in the majors:
Yankees hoping new coaches are helpful, familiar faces for team’s young hitters
The Yankees made several changes to their big league coaching staff after the team’s elimination in the ALDS.
www.nydailynews.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
For some #Yankees, the newest faces on Aaron Boone’s staff will be familiar ones, as Dan Fiorito & Jake Hirst bring player development experience & coached NY's younger hitters when they had MiLB success.
Now they have a chance to help in the majors:
Now they have a chance to help in the majors:
With no significant additions to the #Yankees' bullpen thus far, Camilo Doval is poised to play a prominent role next season.
Counting on the talented but erratic righty comes with risk, but the Yanks hope some end-of-season tweaks help Doval in 2026.
Counting on the talented but erratic righty comes with risk, but the Yanks hope some end-of-season tweaks help Doval in 2026.
Yankees counting on cleaner Camilo Doval in 2026
The Yankees are hoping Doval’s last few games of the 2025 season can serve as a building block for next year.
www.nydailynews.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
With no significant additions to the #Yankees' bullpen thus far, Camilo Doval is poised to play a prominent role next season.
Counting on the talented but erratic righty comes with risk, but the Yanks hope some end-of-season tweaks help Doval in 2026.
Counting on the talented but erratic righty comes with risk, but the Yanks hope some end-of-season tweaks help Doval in 2026.
With the holiday season in full swing, you'll see some prewritten stuff from me at NYDN Sports over the next week.
First up: a look at how Carlos Rodón took on more of a leadership role and helped young #Yankees like Cam Schlittler and Will Warren this year: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/24/c...
First up: a look at how Carlos Rodón took on more of a leadership role and helped young #Yankees like Cam Schlittler and Will Warren this year: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/24/c...
Carlos Rodón took pleasure in taking Yankees’ young pitchers under his wing in 2025
Rodón made it a point to mentor Yankees rookies Will Warren and Cam Schlittler this past season.
www.nydailynews.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
With the holiday season in full swing, you'll see some prewritten stuff from me at NYDN Sports over the next week.
First up: a look at how Carlos Rodón took on more of a leadership role and helped young #Yankees like Cam Schlittler and Will Warren this year: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/24/c...
First up: a look at how Carlos Rodón took on more of a leadership role and helped young #Yankees like Cam Schlittler and Will Warren this year: www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/24/c...
With the #Yankees' lineup so left-handed as things stand, a productive & available Giancarlo Stanton will be key for the Bombers.
With that in mind, here's what the Yanks have said about the DH, bothered by tennis elbows the past 2 years, this offseason:
With that in mind, here's what the Yanks have said about the DH, bothered by tennis elbows the past 2 years, this offseason:
Giancarlo Stanton key for Yankees’ unbalanced lineup, but health is always a concern
Stanton’s time with the Yankees has been plagued by lower-body aches and pains, and lingering tennis elbows bothered him during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
www.nydailynews.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:42 PM
With the #Yankees' lineup so left-handed as things stand, a productive & available Giancarlo Stanton will be key for the Bombers.
With that in mind, here's what the Yanks have said about the DH, bothered by tennis elbows the past 2 years, this offseason:
With that in mind, here's what the Yanks have said about the DH, bothered by tennis elbows the past 2 years, this offseason:
The AL East continued to import new talent on Sunday night. Once again, it didn’t end up in New York.
While the #Yankees have retained some depth pieces and still have targets on the board, their division rivals have already improved:
While the #Yankees have retained some depth pieces and still have targets on the board, their division rivals have already improved:
Division foes keep adding new talent while Yankees keep quiet
The Yankees have retained a few players this offseason, but they’ve lacked in the AL East when it comes to new additions.
www.nydailynews.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:12 PM
The AL East continued to import new talent on Sunday night. Once again, it didn’t end up in New York.
While the #Yankees have retained some depth pieces and still have targets on the board, their division rivals have already improved:
While the #Yankees have retained some depth pieces and still have targets on the board, their division rivals have already improved:
With #Yankees fans still waiting on an external addition, the team is bringing back Paul Blackburn, another member of the 2025 squad, on a low-cost deal.
Blackburn didn't have great numbers last year, but the Bombers did see some things they liked.
Blackburn didn't have great numbers last year, but the Bombers did see some things they liked.
Yankees re-signing Paul Blackburn to one-year deal
Blackburn didn’t pitch particularly well in 2025, totaling a 6.23 ERA over 39 innings for the Mets and Yankees.
www.nydailynews.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:15 PM
With #Yankees fans still waiting on an external addition, the team is bringing back Paul Blackburn, another member of the 2025 squad, on a low-cost deal.
Blackburn didn't have great numbers last year, but the Bombers did see some things they liked.
Blackburn didn't have great numbers last year, but the Bombers did see some things they liked.
Aaron Boone covered several topics at a charity event today. Among them:
⚾️ He said he's unsure of the #Yankees' Tatsuya Imai plans
⚾️ He expects to have Jazz Chisholm Jr.
⚾️ Luke Weaver & the other #Mets defectors
⚾️ Amed Rosario at 1B
More here:
⚾️ He said he's unsure of the #Yankees' Tatsuya Imai plans
⚾️ He expects to have Jazz Chisholm Jr.
⚾️ Luke Weaver & the other #Mets defectors
⚾️ Amed Rosario at 1B
More here:
Aaron Boone unsure of Yankees’ Tatsuya Imai plans, talks Jazz Chisholm Jr. rumors; Mets defections
Aaron Boone spent his Friday afternoon handing out food and toys at a charity event hosted by the NYPD’s 44th precinct in the Bronx. There, he talked about some of the Yankees’ free agent tar…
www.nydailynews.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:22 PM
By now you may have seen that coveted international prospect Wandy Asigen backed out of his deal with the #Yankees & plans to sign with the #Mets.
The flip comes with the Bombers still looking for a new international scouting director. Was told earlier this week that interviews are ongoing.
The flip comes with the Bombers still looking for a new international scouting director. Was told earlier this week that interviews are ongoing.
Top international prospect to sign with Mets after backing out of Yankees deal
With the Mets already signing a few big league free agents away from the Yankees, the Queens club has now plucked a coveted international prospect away from the Bombers.
www.nydailynews.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Meet Cade Winquest, the #Yankees' first Rule 5 Draft pick since 2011.
“I’m going to compete,” said the bullpen hopeful, who discussed the opportunity in front of him, what NY likes about him, & the extra reason he hopes to be an even rarer Rule 5 keeper.
“I’m going to compete,” said the bullpen hopeful, who discussed the opportunity in front of him, what NY likes about him, & the extra reason he hopes to be an even rarer Rule 5 keeper.
Yankees’ first Rule 5 pick in 14 years motivated to snap another streak: ‘I’m going to compete’
As a selection in the major league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, Winquest must remain on the Yankees’ 26-man roster all season or be placed on waivers.
www.nydailynews.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Meet Cade Winquest, the #Yankees' first Rule 5 Draft pick since 2011.
“I’m going to compete,” said the bullpen hopeful, who discussed the opportunity in front of him, what NY likes about him, & the extra reason he hopes to be an even rarer Rule 5 keeper.
“I’m going to compete,” said the bullpen hopeful, who discussed the opportunity in front of him, what NY likes about him, & the extra reason he hopes to be an even rarer Rule 5 keeper.
Luke Weaver is the latest ex #Yankees closer to end up with the #Mets, joining Clay Holmes & Devin Williams in Queens on a 2-year, $22 million deal.
Weaver had expressed a desire to stay with the Yanks, and Brian Cashman had spoken to his agent, but the reliever ultimately resettled across town.
Weaver had expressed a desire to stay with the Yanks, and Brian Cashman had spoken to his agent, but the reliever ultimately resettled across town.
Mets agree to two-year, $22 million deal with Luke Weaver, another ex-Yankees reliever
The Mets have poached yet another former Yankee.
www.nydailynews.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM