Wait there’s a sound gradually getting louder. The beats are familiar, and that guitar riff…is someone playing Enter Sandman? Yes, that Metallica song is quite iconic, however, for baseball fans it has always acted as a foreboding number. A piece of music that signaled that the Big Evil New York Yankees’ biggest villain was about to bring nightmares to their opponents. Now that song is playing again – only this time Mariano Rivera is here to realize the Bombers’ dreams. 

The Bronx Bombers are ready to take their Spring Training international. For the first time since Micky Mantle’s final season with the Yankees, the Pinstripes are making a trip to Mexico City. From 24 to 25 March, the team will hold a two-game exhibition contest with Diablos Rojos del México at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium. Surprisingly in this trip, the players will get to witness the legendary No.42 of the Bombers.

Famous baseball insider Joel Sherman has reported that Mariano Rivera will accompany the Pinstripes to Mexico. The one-and-only unanimous Hall-of-Famer’s presence is set to shape up the struggling pitching staff of the Pinstripes. As one knows, ever since Gerrit Cole’s injury, the Yankees have been trying to find a good replacement. The team hopes that Rivera will inspire pitchers to rise to this challenge. While that is the primary objective, Rivera’s presence will serve more than one purpose.

Aaron Boone is fighting a huge battle this season. The Yankees are going through a 14-year trophy drought out of which 6 were under Boone. Naturally, the skipper is under immense pressure and as a result, is now bringing out all the big guns in this offseason.

A few days ago, Boone brought in the 4x World Series-winning manager Joe Torre to their training facilities. Now with the arrival of the 5x World Series winner Mariano, the skipper has made his intentions clear. However, there are still many challenges that he has to face.

Search for balance continues as the New York Yankees make their way to Mexico 

While the Mexico City trip is quite historic, there’s a growing sense of discomfort in the Yankees squad. Per Yankees Beat writer Bryan Hoch, the Bronx Bombers’ roster for the Mexico City trip isn’t finalized yet as players “keep dropping off,” according to Aaron Boone. While Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Volpe, and Alex Verdugo are set to go, there’s no clarity on other names. 

Reports also emerged about Juan Soto possibly not joining the team in Mexico. The Dominican star instead chose to focus on his swinging in Tampa days before the Opening Day. While that is a discouraging sign, at least Rivera’s presence can ensure that pitchers will have something to learn. 

With the Yankees already in their make-or-break year having a legend like Rivera encourage their pitchers can only lead to good things. With that elusive 5th spot still empty in their rotation there’s certainly a massive race brewing inside the Bombers’ clubhouse.

Read more: New York Yankees’ Crucial Pitching Search Hits Roadblock, Top Options Dwindle as Opening Day Nears