For years now, it feels as if the New York Yankees have lacked something. Call it personality. Call it flair. Call it vibes. Call it team chemistry. Whatever "it" is, an it factor has been lacking. The roster has exuded as much energy as a meeting of the board of directors, and while it might not be the most important thing, it could have a trickle-down effect on the play on the field.
When you combine the lack of vibes with players like Devin Williams, who clearly didn't want to be with the Yankees, it can become a problem. When you make mistakes and bring in guys who don't hate losing more than they like winning, the 162-game season isn't just a grind, it's a downright slog.
No wonder the Yankees go through a summer swoon every year. That might all change, though, and it could be thanks to a player we didn't get to see enough of in 2025: Amed Rosario.
Amed Rosario's comments indicate the vibes quotient is about to reach new levels in the Yankees clubhouse
The Yankees have now officially re-signed Rosario, and what he had to say about his brief stint in New York in 2025 should leave every fan feeling good.
“It’s like we have a podcast.” Amed Rosario explained what makes one corner of the #Yankees’ dugout so special: https://t.co/fJdBcMUm2W
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 30, 2025
Despite arriving at the trade deadline and only appearing in 16 games in pinstripes, the former New York Mets top prospect made some fast friends, nicknaming the corner of the dugout where they hung out, "La Esquina Caliente" - or, in English, "The Hot Corner." There, Rosario became fast friends with many of his new teammates, especially Jasson Domínguez.
Speaking about his experience in 2025, Rosario told MLB.com, “It’s like we have a podcast. We’re talking about everything, about life. We’re paying attention to the game, too. We try to give the best energy we can for our teammates, and we play like the Hot Corner, too. I always tell the guys, ‘I know how it feels to play for the other side. When you get a big hit against the Yankees, it’s more important.’”
He'd go on to add, “My teammates, they bring energy every day. They’re so positive. They always want to learn, and I’m learning a lot of new things from those guys.”
While there's no "Vibes-Above-Replacement" metric, it feels safe to say that this is only a good thing for the team heading into 2026. There will be trials and tribulations, but having a veteran leader on the bench and a sense of camaraderie among the players will only help the club get through those trying times.
Don't be misled, however, Rosario's going to be more than just a cheerleader. The 30-year-old is a potent bat against southpaws, with a career .800 OPS against them, and his contact skills are among the best in the entire free agent class. He'll be a valuable utility man and right-handed caddy for Ryan McMahon, but it seems he'll also help make a positive impact throughout the clubhouse as well.
