Joy! Happiness! Baseball is back! And while we are still in the “Spring Training games don’t count” portion of the season, it’s so delightful to see baseball happening! As a result of baseball being back, so is baseball news and there was quite a bit to go down last week, from some big changes by the Yankees; an extension that fell apart for the Blue Jays; the first successful ball-strike challenge and so much more.
So, plenty to dive into today!
Free the Hair!
While this may not be the biggest news of the year, it does feel massive enough to earn its own news item. The Yankees, who have long been the stogey old fogies in terms of uniform and presentation rules, have finally changed their long-standing facial hair policy.
The Yankees have famously not allowed their players to have beards (mustaches were okay!), but the rule impacted several players who had to shave their beard when they joined the Bronx Bombers. But now the times are changing and the Yankees will allow “well-groomed” beards.
One of the most recognizable rules in all of sports is no longer
The New York Yankees announced Friday morning that they will allow “well-groomed beards” moving forward.
Some notable names that were previously impacted by the policy – starting with Devin Williams
— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) 2025-02-21T15:27:22.759Z
Vlad Jr. Says “No Thanks!”
One of the most anticipated and expected extension offers this season was between the Toronto Blue Jays and the face of their franchise, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Vlad Jr was expected to receive an extension offer from the Jays, and indeed he did, but to the surprise of many, the Jays and Vlad Jr were unable to come to an agreement and the extension fell through.
This means unless the Jays and their superstar can come to terms this season, Vlad Jr. will become a free agent next fall and the Jays stand to lose one of their most important players (and much of the trust of their fanbase). This could, of course, be a situation like Gerrit Cole with the Yankees where the intention is for Vlad to stay where he his, but wanting to make sure he’s forcing his team to make him the best offer possible. Only time will tell, because the other much-discussed possibility is that the Jays will cut their losses early and trade Vladdy this season.
Quick Hits
Social Media Highlights
The Miami Marlins must hit a payroll of $105M to avoid a potential grievance from the MLBPA. This is because you must spend 150% of revenue sharing money collected.
According to Spotrac, the current estimated Luxury Tax Payroll sits at $79.8M
Look for them to make some moves! pic.twitter.com/sPv28vYMmc
— Hagen Snell (@HagenSnellBB) February 19, 2025
The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck.
Scott played for the Bucs from 1999-2003 and shares the club record for most games pitched by a LHP in one season.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/fS160TnfHV
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 20, 2025