Imagine being a young Mexican New York Yankees fan in 1968. To nearly every fan that year is known as the “Year of the Pitcher” or Mickey Mantle’s last season. But for you, it’s the year the Yankees came to Mexico City. Imagine skipping a game, thinking it’s just one match, only to wait 56 years for their return in 2024. Now finally Mexico’s favorite team is making its way to the country. How special would that be? 

That’s how special this Mexico City series is for the fans. Multiple generations have waited for this moment, for this chance to see the most popular team in their country. So why is it that there is a hint of anger creeping through in this situation that begs for celebration? Why is the beloved Yankees suddenly being called “S***bag?” 

New York Yankees’ historic Mexico trip marred with roster controversy 

When it was announced that the Yankees would face the Diablos Rojos del México at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, it sent shivers down the fanbase. The Pinstripes coming to Mexico City with their usual pomp and circumstance was enough to increase the anticipation. However, gradually reports emerged that most stars weren’t coming to the trip. Then the Yankees Beat writer Bryan Hoch revealed the traveling roster of the Bombers.

There’s no Aaron Judge, certainly no Juan Soto, and even Alex Verdugo is absent. The roster is filled with prospects with only Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Volpe being the notable faces. Apart from them, there’s the Mexican staff which includes Jose Trevino, Victor Gonzalez, and Jose Rojas. Fans had expected fireworks owing to Trevor Bauer getting ready to pitch against them.

While it’s understandable why the players have missed this trip (the season opener is just 4 days away) it still is quite disappointing for the Mexican fans. Instead of a full-powered team, they’re barely getting two or three stars. So naturally it has led to fans questioning the Yankees’ sincerity in traveling to Mexico.

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Fans shower the Pinstripes with their anger as the atmosphere becomes tense

The atmosphere was tense on X. Fans called this an unfortunate situation and wondered why the league even allowed something like this. 

“Absolutely bush league. The reason there playing in Mexico is to expose MLB to Mexico. And S***bag Yankees out of fear refuse to send there 12345 hitters in lineup,” said one fan. 

Then another one made a scathing observation, “Yankees hate their international fans bruh.” A user shared how this was highly disrespectful to fans who love the Bombers. “ ‘MLB’ exhibition games..most like minor league exhibition games, i am sorry but its shameful and disrespectful for the fans.” 

“Mexico City was expecting the YANKEES, not the RailRiders and Patriots,” commented a disappointed faithful. Finally this person shared why there’s so much anger for this roster. “It’s easy for some of you fans to think it’s no big deal that top players didn’t go. What about those fans that I’m sure paid a lot of money to see them? It’s not fair to them.” 

So the historic Mexico trip is off to a terrible start. With the New York Yankees facing the heat, is there anything that they can do to fix this?

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