MLB | Bryan Hoch: Flamethrowing prospect Carlos Lagrange knew he would hold a three-inning live batting practice session. Little did he know he would face the greatest hitter on the planet, Aaron James Judge. Each gained the upper hand over the other as they faced each other three times. Judge demolished a 99 mph Lagrange heater over the left field wall. Later, Lagrange knocked out Judge with gasoline at 102.6 mph. There’s video of the two squaring off on X, so it’s not hard to track down Monday’s power vs. power battle.
Athletics | Chris Kirschner ($): Speaking of Judge, he’s preparing for more than just the regular season. For the first time in his career, he will represent Team USA at the next World Baseball Classic. On Monday, he gave some of his thoughts on the opportunity. Noting that Team USA came up short against Japan in 2023, Judge made his feelings clear that he wants a rematch with the defending champions this time around. “They’re the defending champions. They have a great team coming back. I think that’s why Team USA has really stepped up this year to go out there and take care of business. If (Japan) brings back the same crew they did three years ago, it’s going to be a heavyweight fight…”
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ESPN: One more from the Yankee captain. When discussing the club’s offseason, Judge made it clear that he’s eager for the Yankees to make some moves. “Let’s sign these guys right now and start adding more pieces because I see other teams in the league getting better… They’re making trades. They’re signing big prospects or big players. And we’re sitting there for a while making smaller moves.” Judge also made it clear that he expressed his displeasure to the front office. That said, with the first spring games happening later this week, Judge is confident the Yankees are where they need to be.
MLB Trade Rumors | Charlie Wright: Finally, there is indeed some news that has nothing to do with Aaron Judge. Yanquiel Fernandez, whom the Yankees claimed from the Colorado Rockies, cleared waivers after the club designated him for assignment. This allows the Yankees to propel Fernandez, once one of the brightest prospects in the Rockies system, to Triple-A. A path to the Bronx in 2026 for Fernandex is unlikely, barring a whole host of worst-case scenarios. But he brings depth and who knows… maybe the 23-year-old can realize that with a change of scenery.
