Major League Baseball released the 2022 schedule for all 30 ball clubs, and the Yankees have a daunting task ahead of them to start the season.

The Yankees will begin a four-game series on the road against the Texas Rangers on March 30, 2022, and will finish off their first road trip against the Houston Astros. The Yankees will then have their home opener on April 7, 2020, against the Boston Red Sox, and will follow up with a four-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Other notable series include:

• The Yankees first series against the newly appointed Cleveland Guardians (April 22-24, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium)
• The first home series against Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (May 31-June 2, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium)
• The Pittsburgh Pirates (July 5-6, 2020 @ PNC Park, September 20-22, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium), Cincinnati Reds (July 12-14, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium), St. Louis Cardinals (Aug. 5-7, 2020 @ Busch Stadium), Milwaukee Brewers (Sept. 16-18, 2020 @ American Family Field) in interleague play.
• The Subway Series against the New York Mets (July 26-27, 2020 @ Citi Field, Aug. 22-23, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium)

The final series of the 2022 campaign will be against the Baltimore Orioles from Sept. 30, 2022, to Oct. 2, 2022.

For the entire 2022 New York Yankees schedule, click here.

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According to Jack Curry of YES Network, the Yankees traded OF Mike Tauchman to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for LHP Wandy Peralta and a player to be named later.

Yankees have traded Mike Tauchman to the SF Giants for Wandy Peralta, a lefty reliever

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) April 27, 2021

The trade comes as a shock to many, as Tauchman was one of the few players showing life during the Yankees recent cold stretch, which featured a few impactful pinch running appearances. In a mere 14 at-bats this season, Tauchman hit .214/.267/.286; Tauchman also proved he was an asset when he hit .242/.342/.305 in 95 at-bats last season.

Peralta, a hard throwing lefty who has spent his six-year career with the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds, pitched 8.1 innings this season, going 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA. Peralta is coming off a strong 2020 campaign, going 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA in 27.1 innings pitched.

Prior to tonights game, the Yankees have also called up INF/OF Tyler Wade from the alternate site to take Tauchman’s spot on the roster.

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The team announced Boone will undergo surgery to receive a pacemaker. The surgery will be performed late Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla. Bench coach Carlos Mendoza could take over the helm in Boone’s absence.

The New York Yankees today announced that Manager Aaron Boone is taking an immediate medical leave of absence to receive a pacemaker. Surgery is expected to be performed later today at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Sending to our skipper. pic.twitter.com/rwJo0hAMDd

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 3, 2021

Boone released the following statement about his upcoming absence:

As many of you know, I underwent open-heart surgery in 2009, and I wanted everyone to understand where I’m at regarding the procedure that’s taking place today. Over the last six-to-eight weeks I’ve had mild symptoms of light-headedness, low energy and shortness of breath. As a result, I underwent a series of tests and examinations in New York prior to the beginning of Spring Training, including multiple visits with a team of heart specialists. While the heart checkup came back normal, there were indications of a low heart rate which, after further consultation with doctors in Tampa, necessitates a pacemaker.

My faith is strong, and my spirits are high. I’m in a great frame of mind because I know I’m in good hands with the doctors and medical staff here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They are confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all of my usual professional and personal activities and afford me a positive long-term health prognosis without having to change anything about my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days, but during my short-term absence, I have complete trust that our coaches, staff and players will continue their training and preparation at the same level as we’ve had and without any interruption.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind all those dealing with heart issues to remain vigilant in your care and to reach out to your doctor should you have any symptoms of discomfort or trouble. Any issue involving the heart has the potential to be serious. Staying on top of your health is always the first and most important thing you can do for yourself and your family.

Hal Steinbrenner released the following statement:

The thoughts of the entire organization are with Aaron and his family as he undergoes this procedure and takes the time he needs to properly heal,” said Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner. “Aaron leads our players, coaches and staff with a rare combination of work ethic, intelligence and a genuine concern for others. Our only priority at this time is Aaron’s health and well-being, and we will support him in every way throughout his recovery.

On behalf of everyone at Bronx Pinstripes, we hope that Boone has a swift recovery, and returns soon.

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According to Major League Baseball, Griffey Jr. has been named the Senior Advisor to Commissioner Rob Manfred. Griffey will consult with Major League Baseball on multiple issues, including baseball operations and baseball youth development. He will also serve as an ambassador at youth initiatives and special events.

“I am humbled to be asked to work with Major League Baseball in this role,” Griffey Jr. said in a MLB press release. “It will be an honor to represent the best sport in the world and to promote our game among today’s youth.”

Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been named Senior Advisor to the Commissioner. He will consult with @MLB on a number of issues, with special emphasis on baseball operations & youth baseball development, and will serve as an ambassador at youth initiatives & at special events. pic.twitter.com/NoooGJTd7L

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) January 29, 2021

Commissioner Rob Manfred also issued a statement, stating, “We are thrilled that Ken will represent Major League Baseball at some of our sport’s most important stages, alongside our current and future stars. We welcome the perspective and insights that Ken gained as a historic player, as a parent, and as someone who has spent his life in and around our great game.”

BREAKING: The Kid joins MLB …

Ken Griffey Jr. will serve as Sr. Advisor to the Commissioner with an emphasis on baseball operations, youth development and improving diversity at all levels of the game. pic.twitter.com/GMAF7fSOtr

— MLB (@MLB) January 29, 2021

In his 22-year career, Griffey Jr. was a 13-time All-Star, a 1o-time Gold Glove winner, hit 630 home runs in his career, and was the youngest member in Major League Baseball’s All-Century team, which was unveiled in 1999.

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According to the Rakuten Eagles twitter account, Tanaka has agreed to a one-year contract. Tanaka last pitched for the Eagles in 2013.

WELCOME HOME our HERO!!!!https://t.co/2WoFI9XjKJ#RakutenEagles #おかえりなさい pic.twitter.com/2DNlgJYORy

— 東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス (@Rakuten__Eagles) January 28, 2021

Following the news, Tanaka released a statement, thanking Yankees fans for their support while “feeling fortunate for having the opportunity” to play for the Yankees.

pic.twitter.com/Tc4CHpFHV0

— 田中将大/MASAHIRO TANAKA (@t_masahiro18) January 28, 2021

In his seven-year tenure, Tanaka went 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA, 8.5 K/9 and a 3.91 FIP. He was also a two-time All-Star, both in 2014 and 2019.

Tanaka was seeking an approximately $20 million contract while exploring the free agent market. However, the Yankees elected to take a more frugal approach. The Yankees signed two-time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber to a one-year deal worth $11 million, and completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jameson Taillon.

With Tanaka no longer an option, the Yankees will have to fill the last two spots in the rotation. Luis Severino is slated to return in July, but in the meantime the team has options in Jordan Montgomery, Asher Wojciechowski, Michael King and Domingo German. Barring a last minute trade, the Yankees are slated to fill the final two spots via competition in Spring Training.

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According to Jeff Passan, the Yankees have acquired Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Miguel Yajure, Rosansy Contreras, Maikel Escotto, and Canaan Smith.

The New York Yankees have acquired Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Miguel Yajure, Roansy Contreras, Maikel Escotto and
Canaan Smith, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2021

Taillon did not play in 2020 due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery for the second time, but has a 3.67 ERA and a 8.09 K/9 in four seasons with the Pirates. Taillon becomes the third major move for the Yankees this offseason; the team re-signed D.J. LeMahieu on a six-year deal, and inked Kluber for a one-year deal. Taillon also joins ace Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation; Cole and Taillon were both on the Pirates in 2016-2017.

The Taillon trade comes off the heels of J.A. Happ signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, and the Yankees’ uncertainty of bringing back Masahiro Tanaka. The Yankees will also be without Luis Severino until the middle of the 2021 season. Despite having Jordan Montgomery and Deivi Garcia, the team could benefit from one more arm in the rotation. The Yankees are also looking at picking up an outfielder before heading into Spring Training. They have been linked to names such as Yasiel Puig and their old friend Brett Gardner.

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Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the Nationals have had continued interest in LeMahieu, which goes back as far as two offseasons ago.

Source: The #Nats are showing continued interest in DJ LeMahieu, whom they also pursued as a free agent two offseasons ago, as I reported this morning on @MLBNetwork. @MLB #MLBNHotStove

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 20, 2020

LeMahieu is reportedly seeking a five-year contract, but at the moment, the Yankees are only comfortable offering a 3-4 year deal. However, Jim Bowden of CBS Sports believes LeMahieu’s preference is to return to the Bronx, and a deal could potentially be done before Spring Training.

The #Yankees have made it clear that bringing back 2B D.J. LeMahieu is their top priority. As the negotiations grind on it’s also evident that LeMahieu preference is to return to the Bronx Bombers. #OnlyMatteroftime #$$$$

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) November 20, 2020

Despite the Yankees and Nationals being at the forefront, they aren’t the only teams interested in LeMahieu’s services. The New York Mets are without a second baseman after losing Robinson Cano for the 2021 season due a PED suspension. While they could slot Jeff McNeil at second base, the sudden opening appears to signal the Mets could be after LeMahieu as well.

LeMahieu hit .364/.421/.590 with a 1.011 OPS in 50 games for the Yankees in 2020.

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The Yankees are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Whitey Ford. Whitey spent his entire 16-year career as a Yankee. A 6x WS Champion and 10x All-Star, The Chairman of the Board was one of the best lefties to ever toe the rubber. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/2KDi4V9SeA

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 9, 2020

Ford was one of the best starters in team history, notching 236 wins with a 2.75 ERA. Along with his World Series and All-Star accolades, Ford also won the Cy Young Award in 1961, going 25-4 with a 3.21 ERA in 269.1 innings.

Ford took a brief hiatus from his pitching career in 1951 to fight in the Korean War, ultimately returning to the Yankees rotation in 1953.

Ford is the fifth legend to pass away in 2020, joining Al Kaline, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, and Lou Brock.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

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Gerrit Cole is slated to get the start for the Yankees tonight against Shane Bieber, and Kyle Higashioka will start behind the plate. Masahiro Tanaka is slated to start Game 2.

The Yankees have yet to announce their lineup for tonight’s game, but one of the major debates on social media has been who will start in the outfield between Frazier and Gardner. Despite Frazier having the better season overall, Gardner is hitting .368/.478/.421 in his last seven games and .361/.500/.611 in his last 15 games. Gardner is also familiar with fielding Progressive Field’s high left field wall, which could be pivotal.

Time will tell on what manager Aaron Boone will do tonight, but when all is said and done, the Yankees hope to move on to the ALDS and face their AL East foes.

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You may have wondered when the Yankees and Rays were going to renew their rivalry. Well, if you banked on Sept. 1 of this season, you would be absolutely right.

Masahiro Tanaka notched the start against the Rays, and in the first inning hit batter Joey Wendle before recording a scoreless top of the first. The Yankees scored five runs because DJ LeMahieu homered twice and weird things happened. By the time the ninth rolled around,  the Yankees called upon Aroldis Chapman to close the game. However, Chapman was erratic and almost hit Mike Brosseau with a 101 MPH pitch. Chapman’s actions caused the benches to clear, and Rays manager Kevin Cash to make reprehensible comments.

Wendle insisted Tanaka threw at him on purpose while Brosseau was unsure if there was actual intent in Chapman throwing at his head. The major consensus is Tanaka didn’t intend to throw intentionally at Wendle, which was my belief as well. Tanaka prides himself on doing the best job possible on the mound, and will become critical of himself if he makes the slightest mistake. Does anyone recall the one hit complete game shutout, and Tanaka was critical because he gave up one hit? It’s hard to see Tanaka of all people allowing a baserunner by any means necessary.

When it comes to Chapman, the consensus is more divided. Many believe Chapman didn’t throw at Brosseau intentionally, but was simply erratic. Others believe Chapman threw at Brosseau’s head with intent. If we were to make a case for Chapman, this was Chapman’s third appearance since a 10-game layoff. According to the pitch tracker, Chapman’s fastball has been rather erratic this season, which could solidify his case of him unintentionally aiming for Brosseau’s head.

Here is Aroldis Chapman’s location on four-seam fastballs this season. pic.twitter.com/dnuOj1MsYe

— Seth Rothman (@SethDRothman) September 2, 2020

However, Chapman’s actions following the attempted hit-by-pitch make you wonder if he actually meant to throw intentionally. Chapman took a couple of steps from the mound to home plate when the Rays became agitated over Chapman’s head hunting. Not to mention Chapman made himself unavailable to the media following the game.

So did Chapman throw at Brosseau with intent? I believe Chapman intended to throw up and in–which I do not condone and it shouldn’t have been done in the first place, but his erratic fastball went for Brosseau’s head instead of the desired location. But if Chapman did throw intentionally at Brosseau’s head, he could be in for a lengthy suspension.

All eyes will be on the Yankees and Rays tonight in case things get out of hand. But it seems likely warnings will be issued before either team decides to throw a pitch.

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But on Sunday, following a game in which Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton kneeled during the National Anthem, Trump tweeted he was no longer able to throw out the first pitch, which baffled the Yankees front office; not because Trump decided to cancel his appearance, but because they didn’t invite Trump to throw out the first pitch on that date to begin with, according to a report in the New York Times. Trump said he’d come to the Bronx later in the season.

From the NY Times: Mr. Trump had not actually been invited on that day by the Yankees, according to one person with knowledge of Mr. Trump’s schedule. His announcement surprised both Yankees officials and the White House staff… 

According to the NY Times, after Trump’s statement of throwing the first pitch caught wind of the White House staff, they scrambled to let the team know that he was actually booked on Aug. 15.

Trump is reportedly a friend of Randy Levine, President of the Yankees, and had hoped to make good on Levine’s longstanding offer to Trump to throw out the first pitch. However, a date and time was never finalized.

The last sitting president to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium was George W. Bush, who fired a strike before game three of the 2001 World Series.

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The New York Yankees 2020 Player Pool, which stands at 58 players. pic.twitter.com/TUGd64bzAo

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 28, 2020

As expected, the likes of Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner, Gleyber Torres, Aaron Hicks, and the rest of the starters will attend Summer Camp. However, fans should expect to see some new faces this summer.

The Yankees placed starter Luis Severino on the 60-day IL after Severino underwent Tommy John Surgery in February.

For infield depth, the Yankees signed infielder Matt Duffy and catcher Max McDowell to minor league contracts. Both players are expected to report to the Bronx on Wednesday.

Finally, the Yankees released RHP Dan Otero, re-signed him to a minor league contract, and placed him on the 60-man roster.

Earlier today, the Yankees:
• Placed RHP Luis Severino on the 60-day IL
• Signed INF Matt Duffy (#18) & C Max McDowell (#78) to the 60-man roster
• Released RHP Dan Otero (#36), re-signed him to a minor league contract, & added him to the 60-man roster

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 28, 2020

While the official schedule has yet to be released, the Yankees will take on the Washington Nationals on July 23. The pitching matchup is slated to be Gerrit Cole vs. Max Scherzer, with the game taking place at Nationals Park.

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According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, MLB owners will present their proposal to the players’ union tomorrow.

MLB owners have approved a proposal for the 2020 season to present to the players’ union, source tells The Athletic. Meeting expected between union and league tomorrow.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2020

Bob Nightengale of USA Today elaborated on the approved owners proposal; the owners approved a 50% revenue sharing plan amid the pandemic, 82 games would be played during the season, 14 teams would compete for a trip to the Fall Classic, and there would be a universal DH.

MLB owners approve 50% revenue-sharing plan amid coronavirus pandemic with 82-game schedule, 14 playoff teams and a universal DH. They will begin negotiations Tuesday with the players union. https://t.co/BFDZOv3oyw

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 11, 2020

While the majority is in favor of baseball returning, the players, specifically Sean Doolittle of the Washington Nationals, are finding obstacles on the road to baseball’s return.

Hopefully these concerns will be addressed in MLB’s proposal, first and foremost: 1) what’s the plan to ethically acquire enough tests? 2) what’s the protocol if a player, staff member, or worker contracts the virus? We want to play. And we want everyone to stay safe.

— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) May 11, 2020

Doolittle brings up many valid points, including the compromised health of players and coaches who are at-risk of contracting the virus. Doolittle inquires whether there will be healthcare benefits added, and if it’s safe to play with no vaccine currently available.

There are many questions lingering regarding the proposal, however, many hope both sides can come to an agreement so that baseball can be played at some point this season.

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After experiencing forearm tightness stemming from the end of the 2019 season, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on Tuesday confirmed Severino will undergo Tommy John Surgery. Severino is slated to miss the entire 2020 season and will instead have to prepare for the 2021 campaign.

Brian Cashman announces that Luis Severino needs Tommy John surgery: pic.twitter.com/oHa1StBW1f

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 25, 2020

Sweeny Murti of WFAN added a dye contrast MRI revealed a partial tear in Severino’s UCL. The Yankees are currently looking in house to replace Severino’s rotation spot.

A dye contrast MRI finally revealed a partial UCL tear in Luis Severino. He is headed for Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2020 season. Testing also revealed pain in the area of the ligament for the first time. Brian Cashman said in-house competition will fill his spot.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) February 25, 2020

Severino has $31.25 million left in his contract, including a $15 million club option for the 2023 season. His injury is the latest to hit the Yankees pitching staff; James Paxton is currently recovering from back surgery that will keep him out of the Yankees rotation until May at the earliest.

Behind Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ and Jordan Montgomery are expected to make the rotation. Guys like Jonathan Loaisiga, Luis Cessa, Chad Bettis, Michael King, Deivi Garcia, and Clarke Schmidt are in-house options for the fifth spot.

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Aaron Boone on Gerrit Cole:

Over the winter, the Yankees acquired Gerrit Cole to be the ace of the Yankees rotation. With CC Sabathia retiring and James Paxton starting the season on the IL, Boone believes Cole can be that anchor at the top of the pitching staff.

Aaron Boone on Gerrit Cole: “We just feel like he’s that anchor at the top. When you have an ace, it’s not only the greatness they provide that day.”

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 12, 2020

Cole threw his first bullpen on Wednesday morning, which went as well as you’d expect.

Aaron Boone on the Houston Astros Buzzgate:

Major League Baseball dropped the hammer on the Houston Astros over the winter following an investigation regarding illegal sign stealing. Many players didn’t take the Buzzgate news lightly, but Boone had a different approach to Buzzgate.

Aaron Boone on if he’s convinced the Astros weren’t wearing devices during last year’s ALCS:

“No. That’s certainly one of those great unknowns…I don’t really dwell on things I am unable to control…I look at it now as it’s time to move on and look forward” pic.twitter.com/WaLjP330IT

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 12, 2020

While Boone is ready to move on, he added he is okay with his players expressing their feelings towards Buzzgate. However, he would like his team to focus on the 2020 season as the days roll by in camp.

Aaron Boone on Domingo German:

When asked about Domingo German, Boone mentioned German was in the Dominican Republic. German is not expected to join the team during Spring Training, but he is working out at the Yankees complex in DR.

Boone says Domingo German is in the Dominican Republic. Boone saw him when he was with the organization looking at younger players. They spoke but NYY don’t plan on him being in Spring Training. He’s been working out at the team’s complex in DR & thinks he can get ready there

— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) February 12, 2020

German is currently serving a suspension under Major League Baseball’s Domestic Violence policy, and will not be reinstated until June.

Aaron Boone on James Paxton:

Just a week before pitchers and catchers reported, James Paxton underwent back surgery to remove a peridiscal cyst. The injury is slated to keep Paxton out until June at the latest. When asked about Paxton’s road to the surgery, it was revealed the injury began at the end of last season.

Team doctors recommended Paxton undergo cortisone shots but decided on surgery in an attempt to nip the injury in the bud. Boone said Paxton is healing well, but it could be another three to four weeks before he starts throwing again.

“Early returns are good” on James Paxton’s surgery, Boone said. Still a couple weeks before he could start throwing, Boone said.

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 12, 2020

Aaron Boone on replacing Paxton in the rotation:

Boone acknowledged there are plenty of in-house options to replace Paxton, but labeled Jordan Montgomery as the front runner due to previous success. However, he is open to competition.

Boone believes the Yankees have a lot of in house options to replace Paxton in the rotation. Said Jordan Montgomery “has the inside track” due to past success but it’s open for competition

— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) February 12, 2020

Aaron Boone on Giancarlo Stanton:

Regarding Stanton, Boone revealed he is currently healthy but is unsure how much playing time Stanton will have in the outfield. He believes a fair amount of Stanton’s playing time will be as the DH.

Boone said he’s confident Giancarlo Stanton is healthy, unsure how often he’ll play LF/RF/DH. Boone said there would be a “fair amount” of DH time for Stanton, probably.

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 12, 2020

Aaron Boone on Gleyber Torres:

With Didi Gregorius heading to the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason, Gleyber Torres will slot back into the shortstop position. Boone said Torres is happy to play shortstop, and that his maturity along with his seriousness in his craft will help him develop as a player.

Boone says Gleyber Torres is “excited to go home” to SS. “His intelligence, continued improvement from day one in the big leagues until now, his maturity, his preparedness, how serious he takes things” are great assets of his and will help him continue to grow as a player

— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) February 12, 2020

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The most notable change in the 2020 performing staff is Eric Cressey, who is the Director of Player Health and Performance. Steve Donohue was moved as Head Athletic Trainer and will now be the Director of Medical Services.

The Yankees today announced that they have restructured their Player Health and Performance staff, which will be led by new Director of Player Health and Performance Eric Cressey. pic.twitter.com/dPxE1F8kvR

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 14, 2020

The Yankees coaching staff also underwent changes this offseason with the addition of pitching coach Matt Blake and bench coach Carlos Mendoza. Aaron Boone wll lead the helm in his third season as Yankees manager.

The Yankees have also finalized their 2020 coaching staff under Manager Aaron Boone: pic.twitter.com/Ls1x5pPxVd

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 14, 2020

Boone had led the Yankees to consecutive postseason appearances in each of his first two seasons.

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According to Chris McCosky of Detroit News, the Detroit Tigers have signed Austin Romine to a one-year, $4 million contract. Joel Sherman later confirmed the report.

Romine got a one-year from Tigers, believed to be $4 million

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) December 12, 2019

#Tigers in a 1-yr agreement with Austin Romine. #Yankees

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2019

Romine spent eight seasons with the New York Yankees as a backup option to Brian McCann and later Gary Sanchez. In 2019, Romine hit .281/.310/.439 with eight homers and 35 RBI in 72 games.

With Romine gone, the Yankees could either rely on Kyle Higashoka–who is also out of options–or acquire a backup catcher on the free agent market. The Yankees were recently linked to Martin Maldonado, who was Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher while on the Houston Astros.

Romine is expected to be the Tigers starting catcher, and believe it or not has history with the Detroit Tigers as a member of the Yankees.

Remember the infamous brawl involving Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera on Brett Gardner’s 33rd birthday?

I’m sure that is one Gardy Party Romine will never forget.

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Jon Heyman of MLB Network is reporting multiple teams are interested in Gardner, even going as far as offering multi-year deals.

A couple teams are interested in Brett Gardner on a multiyear deal but Gardy, a Yankee since 2009, prefers to remain a Yankee. So still talking.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019

However, Gardner prefers to stay in the Bronx, considering he’s been with the organization since 2005. Gardner had a career-year last season, hitting .251/.325/.503 with 28 homers and 74 RBI. With Aaron Hicks out for the beginning of 2020, a Gardner/Yankees reunion seems all the more likely.

Should the Yankees and Gardner reunite, it would mark Gardner’s 13th season in pinstripes.

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The difference was it was easier to spot Waldo than it was to spot Ellsbury.

Ellsbury’s injury prone history left the New York Yankees with no choice but to release him from his contract on Wednesday night, ending what was known as ‘The Ellsbury Era’.

The Yankees releasing Ellsbury was a popular decision among fans, but it left others wondering what could have been had Ellsbury stayed healthy for all seven years of his $153 million deal.

Ellsbury’s contract was supposed to take him into the 2020 season, with a club option for 2021. The problem was, Ellsbury played for only four of those seasons. While he put up decent numbers, he wasn’t the same player he was from his 2011 All-Star season with the Boston Red Sox.

From the beginning of his Yankees tenure, many examined why Ellsbury was needed for $153 million. He was essentially an inch-up from Brett Gardner, a player the Yankees already had on their team for a fraction of the cost. However, former Yankees skipper Joe Girardi believed having both Ellsbury and Gardner on the team would improve the team’s speed at the top of the order.

Truth be told, it made very little difference.

After four productive but underwhelming seasons, Ellsbury suffered an oblique strain during Spring Training in 2018. The injury caused him to miss Opening Day, but it was expected he would return at some point during the season. Then came the hip ailment, which he underwent surgery for on Aug. 6 that year. Ellsbury missed the entire 2018 season without contributing in a single game.

Many hoped Ellsbury would bounce back in 2019, but once again he started the season on the disabled list with foot injury. He was later diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and a shoulder injury which kept him out for another season.

With another season of no Ellsbury in the books, the Yankees decided to eat the uninsured  final year of his contract and release Ellsbury into the void that is known as free agency.

With the Ellsbury era officially over, what was Ellsbury’s legacy?

It’s simple; he had exceptional talent but couldn’t stay on the field. If someone were to ask what they remember most about Ellsbury’s tenure with the Yankees, the first thing would be the countless injuries he had; the second would be his contract.

Ellsbury’s contract will go down as one of the worst contracts in Yankees history, but that doesn’t mean Ellsbury is to blame. With a $153 million payday, it would have been almost impossible for Ellsbury to live up to the seven-year deal. Essentially, he was doomed from the start.

The Ellsbury contract should be a lesson to the Yankees front office; don’t offer a player ridiculous amounts of money based on one All-Star season. Not only does it cause immense pressure on the player, but there’s no telling what can unfold over the course of their tenure. In Ellsbury’s case, the Yankees got four productive seasons out of him before he never wore pinstripes again

It’s a shame Ellsbury’s Yankees career ended the way it did — in obscurity.

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Aaron Hicks

OF Aaron Hicks is scheduled to undergo Tommy John Surgery on Oct. 30. He is slated to spend the next 8-10 months in recovery, and will not be ready for the start of the 2020 season.

Aaron Hicks will undergo Tommy John Surgery this offseason. Expected to miss 8-10 months. pic.twitter.com/rX39IGhWvF

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 24, 2019

With Hicks’ injury, it seems extremely likely the Yankees will retain OF Brett Gardner for the 2020 season. Hicks hit .239/.325/.443 with 12 homers and 36 RBI in 59 games for the Yankees. However, Hicks hit .154/.353/.385 during the ALCS after not making the ALDS roster.

Masahiro Tanaka

RHP Masahiro Tanaka underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spurs. Cashman believes Tanaka will be ready in time for Spring Training.

Masahiro Tanaka had elbow surgery to remove bone spurs. Is expected to be ready for spring training

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzYahoo) October 24, 2019

Tanaka went 11-9 with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.242 WHIP in 31 starts for the Yankees.

Luke Voit

INF Luke Voit underwent surgery to address a bilateral core muscle injury. Cashman added Voit will be ready in time for Spring Training.

Luke Voit had surgery to repair a core muscle and is expected to be ready for spring training

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzYahoo) October 24, 2019

In 118 games, Voit hit .263/.378/.464 with 21 homers and 62 RBI. Voit made the ALDS roster as a bench player, but did not make the ALCS roster.

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