X FACTOR: Which Yankees players are POISED to Outperform Expectations for the Yankees This Season?

New York Yankees fans eye a lineup transformation as Ben Rice emerges as a potential X factor for 2026. With Rice’s power bat joining forces with Cody Bellinger and a rebounding Trent Grisham, could the Yankees finally fill the void left by Juan Soto’s departure? Brian McKeon and Stacey Gotsulias dissect Rice’s impressive growth, including his stellar hard hit rate and reduced strikeouts, comparing his trajectory to All-Star MVPs and Hall of Famers.

The hosts spotlight Ryan McMahon’s defensive stability at third base and weigh in on Austin Wells’ chance for a comeback. Insider MLB talk heats up as the Tigers land Framber Valdez while playing hardball in arbitration with Tarik Skubal—does this set up Detroit’s rotation for dominance or drama? Updates on Camilo Doval’s bullpen role and recent arbitration victories wrap up a must-listen, stats-packed episode for Yankees diehards and baseball insiders alike.

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