Every week on the Aflac New York Yankees Show, we will be spotlighting current or former Yankee players and coaches with a series of awards. From defensive gems and milestones to walk-off home runs and clutch saves, if a Yankee does something important, you’ll hear about it on our show.
APEX Amazing Athlete: David Bednar’s last appearance of the season as Yankees closer was 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief which kept his team close in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Tampa Bay.
Atlas Fence All-Star: Ben Rice proved why he was the Yankees’ MVP at the plate this season driving in both of his team’s runs and hitting a home during a 6-2 defeat to Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
B&B Lumber Big Mover: Jose Caballero constantly sparked the Yankees both in the field at shortstop and also with plenty of plate contributions from 14 home runs to 34 stolen bases and 13 doubles.
Big 4 Tire Big-Time Performance: Even though he missed half the season due to injury Aaron Judge still managed to finish tied for third on the Yankees roster in home runs putting 18 over the fence.
Byrne Dairy and Deli Team Player of the Week: Ryan McMahon gave the Yankees just what it needed on defense this season with his steady glove at third base while also getting 11 home runs and 14 doubles at the plate.
Clifton Recycling Rewarding Effort: Ryan Yarborough got the distinction of having the most saves on the Yankees staff other than David Bednar – a total of three, but he went three-for-three closing games and covered 63 innings overall.
Fire Brothers Red Hot Performance: John Schreiber pitched a scoreless inning of relief in Game 2 of the American League Division Series where they Yankees lost 6-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays.
F.W. Webb Winning Player: Will Warren recorded nearly three times as many strikeouts – 158 – as he did walks – 54 – while pitching 156 innings for the Yankees this season second only to Cam Schlittler.
The Image Press Icon: Cody Bellinger fully settled into his Yankees tenure this season tying for the team lead in batting average with .263 and earning 73 RBIs second only to Ben Rice while smashing 17 home runs.
Iron Horse GutterWorks Mark of Greatness: Amed Rosario only played 87 regular-season games for the Yankees but he still managed to produce 10 home runs, one of 11 different Yankees players to reach double-digits in dingers.
Little York Plantation Play of the Week: Gerrit Cole throwing 5 1/3 strong innings starting Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays even though the Rays went on to prevail 1-0.
Mabey’s Moving and Storage Major Mover: Max Fried overcame injuries this season to earn a 2.80 earned run average and 104 strikeouts over 112 2/3 innings while earning post-season starts for the Yankees.
Mirbeau Inn and Spa Megastar: Most of the season the Yankees never had to worry about first base because Paul Goldschmidt was there, always solid on the field and also tying for third on the team in home runs with 18.
M. Lemp Jewelers Gem of the Week: Spencer Jones would produce an RBI double in the fourth inning of Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Tampa Bay briefly tying the score before the Rays went on to prevail 4-3.
Nye Automotive Mark of Excellence: Though he didn’t get a lot of run support this season Ryan Weathers still managed a 3.60 earned run average and 143 strikeouts in 137 1/3 innings of work.
O’Hara Electric Electrifying Play: Anthony Volpe nearly tied Game 3 of the American League Division Series with a shot to the wall in left field originally ruled a two-run home run but overturned by replay into an RBI double because of fan interference.
Onondaga Flooring Outstanding Achievement: Paul Blackburn’s excellent season out of the Yankees bullpen included an inning of scoreless relief in a 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
Potter and Perrone Special Performance: After getting traded from the Washington Nationals Luis Garcia appeared in 43 games for the Yankees late in the season and his .264 averaged tied Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger for team honors.
Premier Hardwood Premier Player: Jazz Chisholm Jr. struggled in some aspects of the game in the 2026 season but still led the Yankees on the basepaths finishing with a team-best 41 stolen bases.
Purcell Paints Prime Performer: George Lombard Jr. saw his fine post-season end with two hits, a walk and a run scored in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against Tampa Bay which resulted in a 4-3 Yankees loss.
Rockbridge Investment Management Risk Taker: Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner risked the wrath of media and Yankees fans allowing manager Aaron Boone to return for 2027 and extending the contract of long-time general manager Brian Cashman.
Senke CNY Garage Door Sensational Star: On his way to the likely American League Cy Young Award Cam Schlittler gave the Yankees a 1.93 earned run average, 14 victories and 239 strikeouts.
Top Notch Roofing Top Performer: Carlos Rodon also made a late-season comeback from injuries in a season where he only pitched 84 1/3 innings but struck out 91 and won seven of his 10 decisions.
University Sports Shop/Manny’s Major Moment: It was Austin Wells who doubled broke up Drew Rasmussen’s no-hit bid in the top of the eighth inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series even though he was thrown out at third base.
U.S. Army Athlete of the Week: Brent Headrick appeared in more than half the Yankees’ games this season – 81 out of 161 – and threw a total of 98 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings of work.
Wonder Windows Winning Performance: Tim Hill earned five victories in relief while appearing in 67 games for the Yankees often getting scoreless frames before his teammates could earn a late lead.
