Seven games into the 2026 season, the Yankees are off to another strong start—but should you buy in?

Chris and the Podcast Padre break down the Yankees’ opening week, including a sweep of the Giants, a series win in Seattle, and a successful home opener in the Bronx. While the pitching staff looks dominant and early contributors like Ben Rice are turning heads, the guys keep things grounded—because Yankees fans have seen this script before.

The conversation dives into why early-season success doesn’t guarantee October glory, the importance of staying consistent through inevitable slumps, and how this team might be different.

Plus, thoughts on the ABS challenge system, standout performances, and a major personal announcement from Chris that takes the podcast beyond the Bronx.

• Yankees open 2026 season strong (6–1 start)
• Sweep of the Giants and series win vs. Mariners
• Importance of staying level-headed early in the season
• Pitching dominance led by Max Fried and emerging arms
• Cam Schlittler vs. Paul Skenes comparison
• Offensive inconsistencies despite timely hitting
• Aaron Judge’s power vs. low batting average
• Giancarlo Stanton’s hot start (and expected streakiness)
• Ben Rice’s breakout performance and development
• ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system early impressions
• Umpire struggles and the future of automated calls
• Catcher framing relevance in the ABS era
• Yankees upcoming schedule: Marlins, A’s, Rays
• BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris named PA announcer for the Staten Island FerryHawks

• Which Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in 1998?
• Answer: David Wells
• This Episode: Which Yankees player holds the MLB record for most first-inning home runs in a season?

You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you!

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2. Email us: feedback@chasefor28.com
3. Connect on X: @chasefor28pod
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The Yankees couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2026 — and Chris and the Podcast Padre are here to break it all down. After opening the season 2-0 with back-to-back shutouts (a franchise first), the early returns point to something Yankees fans have been begging for: dominant pitching and a more balanced offensive approach.

In this episode, the guys react to Opening Day on Netflix, Stanton’s hot start, Judge benefiting from the ABS system, and a lineup that’s producing without relying on the long ball. Plus, a deep dive into the pitching staff’s early dominance, lineup decisions, and what this start might actually mean (or not mean) just two games in. Is this a real shift — or just early-season noise?

1. Yankees open 2026 with back-to-back shutouts (franchise first)
2. Opening Day reactions (including Netflix broadcast)
3. Offensive approach shift: hitting vs. home run reliance
4. Giancarlo Stanton’s strong early performance
5. Aaron Judge and the impact of ABS challenges
6. Pitching dominance: rotation + bullpen early success
7. Lineup construction and platoon decisions
8. Early impressions of depth and roster balance
9. Around the league notes and early surprises
10. Yankees' upcoming schedule (Giants, Mariners, Marlins)

1. Which New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?
2. Answer: Tommy Henrich hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history on October 5, 1949
3. This Episode: Which New York Yankees pitcher threw a perfect game in the 1998 season?

You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you!

1. Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemail
2. Email us: feedback@chasefor28.com
3. Connect on X: @chasefor28pod
4. Connect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod

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SeatGeek 🎟

Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The 2026 season is a week away, and the Yankees are giving us plenty to talk about — both good and bad. In this episode of The Chase for 28, Chris and the Podcast Padre react to the early returns, separating what’s real from what might just be small-sample-size noise.

From early power surges and standout performances to lingering concerns about consistency, approach, and roster construction, the guys break down what’s encouraging and what still feels way too familiar. Is this team actually different — or are we watching a rerun of the same script? Plus, early breakout candidates, red flags to monitor, and what needs to change if the Yankees are serious about chasing No. 28.

1. Yankees offensive identity: power vs. production
2. Pitching staff early performance check
3. Bullpen reliability and usage concerns
4. Lineup construction and consistency issues
5. What feels different (and what doesn’t) from past seasons
6. Keys to sustaining success over a full season

1. Which New York Yankees player hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history?
2. Answer: Next Episode

You have opinions just like we do, so we want to hear from you!

1. Send voicemail http://chasefor28.com/voicemail
2. Email us: feedback@chasefor28.com
3. Connect on X: @chasefor28pod
4. Connect on Instagram: @chasefor28pod

Merch 👕

1. Podcast and Select Player Shirts

SeatGeek 🎟

Check out SeatGeek - the easiest way to buy tickets for sports, concerts, and more. Visit chasefor28.com/seatgeek and use promo code 'CHASEFOR28' at checkout to get $20 off your first purchase.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!