Apparently, not enough to be convinced that the Yankees may still make it a pennant race with the Rays and come away on top, but he sure is confident that once the postseason arrives, the Bronx Bombers can turn it up a notch. And who knows? Why not win the World Series?

It’s happened before, and the Yankees have already received a good omen from the New York Giants and New York Jets. The signs may be out there. In case they aren’t clear enough, Bellinger’s latest statement might help out even more. The Rays, and frankly, the entire MLB landscape, have been put on notice.

“Yeah, I mean, [the Rays] are playing tremendous baseball. It’s tough to climb up in the standings if they keep winning. Mathematically pretty tough, we have got to keep on rolling,” Bellinger said postgame, via YES Network. “Obviously, the goal is win the division, rest your guys, get those extra off days, that’s always goal No. 1. Ultimately, World Series champions have come out of the Wild Card.”

Decisive Rays-Yankees series

Although Bellinger’s admission after the defeat in Phoenix sounded almost like the Yankees were waving the white flag in the pennant race against the Rays, there is still some baseball left to play, and a couple of very meaningful games on the horizon. New York and Tampa Bay will meet for a four-game series at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 22-24, with a doubleheader on Sept. 22) that could very well decide who wins the American League East division.

If the Boston Red Sox can get a win in the rubber match against the Rays while the Yankees secure the series against the D-Backs, then a sweep by New York against Tampa Bay would put both teams at even-Stevens. A sweep is the only way for the Yankees to get the tiebreaker over the Rays, as they are currently down 3-6 in the season’s head-to-head.

Another Rays win over the Pinstripers will clinch the tiebreaker for them. It’s a tough ask for New York, but not impossible. Obviously, without Judge, the climb is only steeper, but it may be perfect timing for a new miracle in the Bronx.

NY Yankees and TB Rays’ remaining schedule

With the Yankees on a day off and no news on Judge’s front, fans can’t help but let their minds run free. Of course, it doesn’t take long for them to fear the worst. During a public appearance, Cone didn’t rule out Judge sitting out the remainder of the 2026 MLB regular season.

“I’m concerned. [Judge] needs the at-bats. Lower-leg issue, calf. We just don’t know. We don’t know until we know in terms of how severe it is. Is he going to get any more at-bats before the end of the regular season? It’s a real question mark right now,” David Cone admitted during an interview on Brandon Tierney’s BT Unleashed.

Currently working as a color commentator, Cone spends a lot of time close to the Yankees. Therefore, his worries about Judge’s untimely injury perfectly reflect how most fans feel. Even if most of the statements coming out of the clubhouse are encouraging, the Pinstripers’ fanbase will hold on to its anguish. If bad news come up, at least they won’t be as heartbroken.

Yankees hope Judge’s injury isn’t serious

It’s still too early to tell. For the time being, the Bronx Bombers remain confident, though wary. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the next steps for Judge after the 5-4 loss to the Twins, and that remains the plan going forward.

Based on Judge’s initial reaction, the setback appears to be mild. Judge took the matter lightly and, to some extent, seemed like he expected something like this to come up in his effort to ramp up his workload and get back into midseason rhythm.

Judge rehab-assignment leap draws critics

Skipping a rehab assignment and trying to fit weeks of spring-training preparation into the final weeks of the regular season, where every at-bat carries more weight, was always a decision that would be revisited the second adversity knocked on Judge’s door.

Guess what? Adversity is now standing on the front steps of the Yankees’ household, and it didn’t take long for fans and analysts across MLB to point to Boone and company’s decision. Regardless, the overall mood throughout the Bronx Bombers’ clubhouse remains calm. Clearly, they aren’t letting the outside noise inside the building.

Potential setbacks were always factored in when New York activated Judge off the 60-day IL. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Judge’s latest issue was unrelated to the stress fracture in his first right rib that sidelined him for months in 2026. Having an alarm go off in a different part of his body is far from ideal, but at least it may not be because he was rushed back into action.

With the MLB postseason approaching and the World Series looming on the horizon, watching the G-Men and Gang Green win their season debuts may have been all Yankees fans could have asked for. The Giants and Jets snapped a 17-year hex with their Week 1 victories in 2026, and the Yankees’ World Series drought could enjoy the same fate because of it.

“The last time the Giants and Jets both won season openers… The New York Yankees won the World Series less than two months later,” The Yankee Report stated on X.

Boasting a Cy Young Award favorite in Cam Schlittler, having Aaron Judge back from the IL, and sitting at 86-63 on the 2026 MLB season, it may not have been encouraging enough. But watching the Jets and Giants win in Week 1 may have been the final confirmation that this year might be special in the Bronx. Never has a Week 1 victory meant so much in New York.

Throwback to 2009 in New York

Back in 2009, the Giants and Jets started their NFL seasons on a Sunday, Sept. 13, too. The G-Men played a divisional opponent, the Washington Commanders, at home, while the Jets played on the road against a Southern AFC opponent, the Houston Texans.

The Giants defeated the Commanders in a one-possession game, 23-17, just like they did against the Dallas Cowboys 17 years later. The Jets won by a larger margin on the road against the Texans, just like they did against the Tennessee Titans in 2026. The signs are there for the taking, at least for those not too blind to see them or too desperate to search for them.

As for the Yankees, they were doing a bit better on Sept. 13, 2009, than they are on that exact date in 2026. The Bronx Bombers were 92-52 by then, well en route to a statement-sending 103-59 record to end the season. Still, the best was yet to come.

NY Yankees’ last World Series

The New York Yankees went 11-4 in the 2009 MLB postseason, en route to their 27th World Series championship—their fifth since the Commissioner’s Trophy was introduced in 1985. They swept the Minnesota Twins in three games in the ALDS, eliminated the Los Angeles Angels in six games in the ALCS, and defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series with a 4-2 series win.

NY Yankees’ rooting guide for Week 2 of the NFL

Going into the NFL’s Week 2, the Yankees will have to root for both New York-based clubs. In fact, if they want to keep the good omens coming, they need the Jets and Giants to start the season 3-0, just like it happened 17 years ago.

It will be much easier said than done, especially considering the Jets will face the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions next, while the Giants will take on the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night.

Perhaps the Yankees will be better off focusing on themselves. Week 1’s omen was enough fuel for the superstitious, and it may be best not to get greedy.

During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Yankees infielder expressed complete confidence in his team’s championship aspirations. “I mean, to win the World Series. (We’re gonna do it) for sure,” Chisholm said with a smile when asked about his expectations for the 2026 season.

The confidence comes despite an up-and-down campaign for Chisholm. While he continues to provide energy and excitement whenever he takes the field, the 27-year-old has not produced at his usual offensive level, entering June with a .699 OPS.

Even so, his belief in the Yankees’ potential has not wavered as the club continues to chase the top spot in the American League East, with the NY Yankees reportedly not alone in sweepstakes for Tarik Skubal adding another layer to their midseason storyline.

Chisholm Jr. remains confident in Yankees’ championship chances

Chisholm has become one of the most recognizable personalities in baseball since arriving in New York. His aggressive style of play and outspoken confidence have made him a fan favorite, and those same traits were on display during his national television appearance.

The Yankees entered the season with legitimate World Series expectations after reaching the Fall Classic in 2024. Although they fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the organization has maintained its championship mindset while building around stars such as Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Chisholm.

Yankees still have work to do in competitive AL race

While Chisholm’s prediction generated headlines, there is still a long road ahead before October arrives. The Yankees remain in the playoff hunt but face stiff competition in the AL East, where every game could impact postseason positioning.

Baseball’s postseason is notoriously unpredictable, making championship guarantees difficult to back up months in advance. Still, Chisholm’s comments reflect the confidence that exists inside the Yankees clubhouse as the team continues its pursuit of a first World Series title since 2009.

“It has definitely been too long. I have zero memories of the Mets winning a World Series,” Stearns admitted in dialogue with media, via SNY. “I feel that as much as anyone. The way we win a World Series and we win multiple World Series is by competing at a high level every single year.”

The Mets certainly didn’t stay true to that mantra last season, as they failed to even make the MLB Playoffs in 2025. As a result, Stearns and the front office decided it was time to blow up the core.

Among many moves, Carson Benge has been included on the Mets’ Opening Day roster, an indicator of how differently the Orange and Blue will look in 2026. Regardless, the end-goal remains the same: hoisting the franchise’s third World Series.

Mets’ World Series titles

It’s no wonder Stearns has no memories of the last time the Mets won the World Series. The current president of baseball operations in Queens was born in February 1985, and the Mets’ last title was in 1986.

Logically, a one-year-old Stearns didn’t quite understand what the fuss was all about, nor could he retain any memory of the magical run the Orange and Blue pinstripers went on as they defeated the Boston Red Sox in an unforgettable seven-game series.

For a fanbase as passionate as the Mets’, two World Series titles (1969 and 1986) feel too little a reward. Forty years later, New York vies to strike gold once again. Stearns and company will do everything on their power to help the team out, but it eventually comes down to what happens on the diamond at Citi Field.

As preparations continue for the upcoming Opening Day, the experienced Dominican outfielder took time to speak with the media, making it clear what the goal is in Queens.

“Another World Series. Why not? That’s the main goal since day one when I signed here, to win a World Series. We’re going to give it all to win it,” Soto firmly stated via SNY.

While loading up a roster with star talent is never a guarantee of success, the reality is that the New York Mets have arguably strengthened their squad as smartly as any team in baseball. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to see them emerge as legitimate contenders.

NY Mets championships in franchise history

Having secured World Series titles in 1969 and 1986, the New York Mets enter the 2026 season with a relentless drive to end their forty-year championship drought. Following a monumental free-agent signing, the roster is now headlined by generational superstar Juan Soto, whose elite plate discipline and championship pedigree have transformed the lineup into a powerhouse.

Flanked by established stars like Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien, and supported by a rotation led by Freddy Peralta, the “Amazin’s” are no longer just contenders—they are the team to beat.

With an aggressive front office and a roster brimming with talent, the Mets are fully committed to bringing a third World Series trophy back to Queens this October.

In a conversation on What Drives You with John Cena, Betts made it clear that his decision to retire in 2032 is not based solely on age, but on family. “I’ll be 40, my little girl will be 14, my son will be 10. My parents were always there and I want to do that same thing for my kids,” Betts said.

Betts had never previously spoken publicly about retirement, much less put an exact date on it. Until now, any discussion about his future had largely been limited to speculation, especially following criticism of his 2025 season and occasional rumors about a reduced role with the Dodgers.

Betts’ 2025 season was not his best

Despite winning his fourth World Series ring in 2025, that season was labeled by some analysts and MLB writers as disappointing. Mark Timmons of LA Dodger Talk called it the worst season of Betts’ career, pointing to his offensive numbers.

“Yes, last season was the worst of Mookie’s career. He hit .258 with a .732 OPS to go with 20 HR. That is pretty poor for a right fielder (which is what I thought he was), but it’s much better for a Gold Glove shortstop!” Timmons wrote.

What Timmons is pointing out is that Betts’ offensive production dipped, although he still cleared the 150-hit mark. He totaled 130 hits in 2024 and 123 in 2023, suggesting growth in that category over time. While 20 home runs may not stand out, from 2020 through 2025 Betts has averaged 25.33 homers per season.

After falling at the gates of eternal glory in the 2025 World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t leaving anything to chance. In a salary-cap–less MLB, that means making significant splashes in the offseason.

The Blue Jays are definitely not pinching pennies. Now, they could be in pursuit of Bregman, who is seeking a big contract. Bregman’s price tag might go against Boston’s policy, but certainly not Toronto’s.

“Add the Toronto Blue Jays to the list of teams showing interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal commented recently on the Bregman sweepstakes in free agency.

How much is Bregman asking for?

According to a report posted by The Athletic, Bregman is seeking a deal in the vicinity of six years and $171 million. Coming off a big year with the Red Sox, Bregman bet on himself by opting out of the final two seasons of his $120 million contract.

Now, his payday demandsclearly reflect how highly Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, value their work—and for good reason. Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462, while hitting 18 home runs and driving in 62 runs in 114 appearances for Boston.

Blue Jays could make yet another splash

Toronto kickstarted its MLB offseason by signing starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. It was the biggest deal the Blue Jays have ever handed to a free agent, yet it wasn’t the only investment they made. Toronto has also added Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million), and Chase Lee via trade with the Detroit Tigers.

Such moves could be enough for other franchises to stay off the market for years, but the organization in The Six is different. After coming just short of the World Series, the Blue Jays are going all in—and with Bregman still undecided, the prospect of joining a clear-cut favorite could be enough to lure him away from the Red Sox.

Primarily a bench player, Rojas played 114 games last season, hitting .262 with 18 doubles and 27 RBIs while providing quality defense at second base, third base, and shortstop.

Rojas’ most memorable moment came in the World Series, when he stepped into the starting lineup after weeks off and delivered a clutch solo homer off Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman in the ninth inning, setting up the Dodgers to win in 11 innings and secure their ninth championship.

“Breaking: INF Miguel Rojas and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $5.5MM deal. This will be Rojas’s final year as an active player. Rojas will remain in the organization beyond 2026 in the player development department,” reported Daniel Alvarez-Montes on X (formerly Twitter).

Dodgers eyeing three-peat in 2026

With Rojas returning, Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers’ front office are preparing for another strong run at the World Series. While the team is mostly set in the infield and outfield, questions remain about adding a top-tier outfielder or bolstering the bullpen.

The Dodgers’ starting rotation appears deep, featuring Roki Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as All-Stars Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Adding another late-inning reliever or two alongside Tanner Scott could further solidify a pitching staff that already ranks among the league’s best.

Rojas’ role beyond 2026

Even after retiring from playing, Rojas will remain with the Dodgers in their player development department, ensuring his knowledge and experience help the next generation of talent.

With Rojas back and a deep roster in place, the Dodgers are positioned to pursue a three-peat in 2026, with fans eagerly watching to see if their World Series hero can create more unforgettable moments before hanging up his cleats.

Veteran presence still shapes the rhythm of today’s game, especially when World Series championships are part of their history. A few active players carry more than experience, they carry rings that reflect seasons defined by timing and relentless endurance.

Their names don’t always dominate MVP conversations, yet they remain familiar figures when October lights burn brightest. Some earned their hardware early, others collected it across different clubhouses, adapting to shifting roles and evolving lineups.

What links them now isn’t just longevity, but the weight of their journeys. As the league cycles through new stars and rising prospects, these MLB-proven winners remain reminders that postseason success often lives in the smallest, toughest moments.

Mookie Betts | 4 World Series rings

Any conversation about impactful players with a winning pedigree inevitably begins and ends with Mookie Betts. This star outfielder, who has seamlessly transitioned into a fundamental piece of the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ machine, has not only collected four World Series rings but has done so as an undisputed catalyst for two historic franchises.

His first taste of success came with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, where he was a dominant force, even winning the AL MVP. Upon his move to Southern California, he brought his winning magic, adding the Dodgers’ 2020, 2024 and 2025 titles.

What distinguishes him is not merely his stat line, but his ability to produce clutch offense and provide elite defense across multiple positions—from right field to shortstop. He is the only active MLB player with four World Series rings, positioning him to aim for five and join a legendary, tiny group of baseball icons. His winning culture is the blueprint for modern success.

Max Muncy | 3 World Series rings

The narrative of Max Muncy is one of the most compelling and resilient in modern baseball. In 2017, after being released by the Oakland Athletics, his career was on life support, leading him to consider quitting the sport entirely.

The Dodgers, however, offered him a lifeline, which he didn’t just grab—he leveraged it into sustained greatness. He transformed into a feared power-hitter and an immovable pillar at third base for Los Angeles, securing three World Series titles with the organization.

His comeback story is reflected in his postseason performance, where he holds the team record for the most home runs in Dodgers’ postseason history. Each of his rings is a testament to his sheer tenacity and how a player can completely rewrite his destiny, moving from professional uncertainty to championship glory.

Will Smith | 3 World Series rings

Few players embody steadiness in a contending roster the way Will Smith does. As the Dodgers’ reliable catcher, he has shaped his entire major-league career within one clubhouse, and now holds three World Series championships (2020, 2024 and 2025).

His role in Los Angeles blends instinct with discipline: guiding pitchers through tense late innings, delivering timely hits, and in 2025, homering in the 11th inning of Game 7 to clinch a back-to-back title.

What distinguishes him isn’t a nomadic pursuit of rings, but the consistency he brings to the Dodgers’ postseason ambitions — poised, trusted and central to a lineup that knows how to turn opportunity into lasting achievement.

Freddie Freeman | 3 World Series rings

Freddie Freeman is the embodiment of consistency and excellence at first base. Originally an icon for the Atlanta Braves, where he finally lifted his first trophy in 2021, his move to the Dodgers only served to cement his status as a multiple champion, adding the 2024 and 2025 rings.

The nine-time All-Star and 2020 NL MVP possesses an elegant swing and a unique ability to produce when it matters most. This clutch gene was fully displayed during the 2024 World Series, where he was named World Series MVP and set a record for consecutive games with a home run in the event. His calm leadership and relentless production make him the quintessential veteran champion.

Enrique Hernandez | 3 World Series rings

Few players embody versatility and team spirit quite like Puerto Rican utility player Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez. This infielder/outfielder is an invaluable asset in any clubhouse due to his ability to play multiple positions and his contagious enthusiasm.

But beyond his locker-room role, his resume is marked by triumph, especially with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the organization with which he has celebrated the majority of his three championships. He is a player who rises to the occasion in the postseason, and his commitment has been crucial.

His path to success includes a brief but significant stint outside LA, but it is his deep connection with the Dodgers that has established him as a three-time champion in the elite. His multifaceted contributions, often stepping into a starting role when needed, perfectly illustrate the value of a premier utility player in a winning franchise.

Blake Treinen | 3 World Series rings

Right-hander Blake Treinen has been one of the most valuable additions to the Dodgers‘ elite bullpen. Known for his powerful repertoire and his ability to pitch multiple high-leverage innings, he has earned the trust to perform in the most pressing moments of the postseason.

Like several teammates on this list, his destiny became intertwined with the recent golden era of the Dodgers, winning his three World Series rings with the Los Angeles franchise. After a stellar 2021 season where he posted a sub-2.00 ERA, he solidified his value as an elite setup man or de facto closer.

His contribution is a powerful reminder that championships are won by a team effort that extends far beyond the starting nine. On cold October nights, a dominant arm like his can be the critical difference between celebration and disappointment.

Rojas has been sporting Van Cleef jewelry since spring training, but it was this championship matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays that thrust his style choice into the spotlight. “I like the brand, and Van Cleef has been something that has been popular for the last couple of years,” Rojas said in an interview with E! News. “So I feel like, why not put it on the field where I do my life every single day?”

The necklace is both meaningful and practical. “This blue one was a gift from my wife for Father’s Day—it goes really well with the uniform,” he explained. “In baseball, a lot of people used to wear long chains that kind of get stuck in your uniform, but I like this choker style because it’s a little bit easier to wear. It’s not bouncing up and down, and I feel like I was able to rock it to the field.”

What’s the story behind Rojas’ necklace?

The necklace became a focal point during the dramatic Game 7, just as Rojas drove in the tying run. “I’m rounding the bases, I’m thinking about my wife and what she said to me prior to that game,” he admitted, “and keeping me motivated and keeping me focused on how I’m gonna get an opportunity to be a big impact for the team.”

Rojas, who wore his rookie number 72 for the championship, highlighted the symbolic nature of the number switch after rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki requested No. 11. “I’ve done everything in my career already,” Rojas said. “I won a championship in ‘24. I’ve been part of great teams. I have a relationship with a lot of guys in our clubhouse and around the league, and I don’t feel like being attached to a number will make me any better.”

Rojas’ future and team chemistry

Rojas’ bond with Sasaki became a highlight of the season, from introducing him to his walk-up song to celebrating the Dodgers’ second consecutive championship together. As a free agent, Rojas is already thinking about the next season.

“I’m looking forward to playing another year, and I want to play for the Dodgers,” he said. “It’s not for me to decide whether or not I’ll be back. But I will do whatever is in my control to let them know that I want to be here.”