The ballroom at the New York Hilton Midtown glowed gracefully with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, which were wrapped around the classic Yankees top hat logo in 14-karat white gold. However, even with all that glitter around the 2024 AL championship rings, the mood of the crew was anything but celebratory. Had it been any other team, it would have been an honor to be crowned American League champions. But it’s the Yankees we’re talking about.

There was nothing at that point that could remotely distract them from the 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They envisioned winning the World Series, not just making it there. When Brian Cashman handed over the ornate boxes ahead of the Yankees’ annual Welcome Home Dinner, that moment drew mixed reactions from the players.

The 2024 World Series loss is something that affects the Yankees to date. After all, it’s been a long drought. They last lifted the World Series trophy in 2009. Relieving the heartbreak, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodon have laid down a firm stance. When asked about what the ring symbolizes, the left-hander Carlos Rodon scoffed as he answered with a two-word response—“first loser,” that’s it. That’s all it means to him; the runner-up ring cannot make up for the Bronx Bombers.

During the dinner, somewhere between a warning and a challenge, veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton’s words echoed in the ballroom. He said, “This isn’t the one we wanted, boys. I better not see any of you guys wearing these around.” After all, right there in Yankee Stadium, the team lost their commanding 5-0 lead in game 5 to the Dodgers.

The brutal loss ended the team’s hopes for their 28th World Series title. In fact, to date, Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge avoids the replays of the game whenever they air. “All I really think is, we lost. It comes down to we didn’t get the job done,” he remarked.

For Judge, it’s all about accountability and the learning curve. “That’s what really matters, and how you learn from it and try to be a better player from it,” Judge added. And well, for the Yankees collectively, earning second place is just being the first loser.

Eyes on the real win: the Yankees are looking for redemption in 2025

The AL champion rings were far from ordinary. The impeccable artistic gem work and craftsmanship couldn’t distract the Yankees from the loss. For manager Aaron Boone, the rings held at least some significance. He addressed, “We want that first place one. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that we were American League champions. That matters.”

After all, the 2024 AL title was his first as a manager. However, Boone delivered some rings so casually that it looked more like he was running an errand.

During the Subway Series 2025 at Yankee Stadium, he handed over the rings to Clay Holmes, Juan Soto, and coach Desi Druschel in blue shopping bags from Yankee Stadium. FYI, these are the same bags fans use to take home the souvenirs. It was a subtle and a white exchange.

Last October was tough for the New York Yankees. Now, in 2025, with off-season acquisitions like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, Max Fried, and Devin Williams, the Yankees are in a mood for redemption. The last loss could be the fuel for Judge and his team.

As Judge stated, “How bad it hurt — getting all the way there to the end and not getting the final prize — I think that will stick with guys forever.” Like last time, the ambition is the same. Once again, they aren’t chasing shiny titles; the Yankees want the World Series trophy.