Aaron Case
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Singapore,
NewsBreak,
Yardbarker,
Elite Sports NY,
BestColleges,
TD Magazine,
China Topix,
Review of Optometry
Covers:
Education, career hunting, CV and resume writing, sports, politics, and culture.
Writer/Editor | Yankees Fan | Wannabe composer: spotify.link/Ms5G5RmUCDb
Articles by Aaron Case
Why Merab Dvalishvili must jump to featherweight
Should Dvalishvili win that hypothetical matchup with Volkanovski, his next opponent would be the most intriguing of all. Even though featherweights like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy deserve the next title shot, the story the UFC would have the easiest time selling is Dvalishvili versus former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Dvalishvili and Sterling are close friends, and Dvalishvili has even at bantamweight because it would’ve come against Sterling.
Three great signs for the Yankees heading into the postseason
The New York Yankees appear to be rolling into the postseason on a high note. The team entered play on Thursday tied for first place in the American League East, the first time they’ve been atop the division since the first week of July. Whether New York finishes the season in first place or not, there are three clear signs that indicate it might have what it takes to make another run to the World Series: 1.
Dana white pours cold water on NBA star’s UFC dreams
Recently, Atlanta Hawks star Kristaps Porzingis let the world know that he intends to pursue an MMA career once he retires from his current sport. “MMA is a sport that is very close to my heart,” Porzingis said, via Sportacentrs. “Number one in terms of viewing. It is something that I am passionate about…I promised one of the clubs I represented that I would not do it during my career.
Sean Strickland makes bold prediction for UFC 319
Strickland, a possible candidate to face the winner of the UFC 319 main event, began his prediction with insightful analysis of Chimaev’s advantages heading into the fight: “I think that Dricus is going to break him [in the] fifth round,” he opined. “The only thing is, when you train with these guys, man, when you train with these [Chechens], for one round, dude, it is like wrestling a parasite. Like, they go full send.
Why Sean Strickland deserves one more title shot
Sean Strickland has lost his last two middleweight title fights, but that shouldn’t stop UFC president Dana White from giving him one more crack at the belt he briefly held. Current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and No. 3 contender Khamzat Chimaev will battle for the belt on Saturday at UFC 319, and Strickland, the No. 2 contender, should top the list of White’s options for the next challenger. On paper, No. 1 middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov is next in line for a title shot.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone must get harsh with his players
In the top of the second inning on Saturday, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. became the latest Bomber to make an unthinkable base running mistake. With one out, Paul Goldschmidt hit a popup to Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards. As the ball settled into Edwards’ glove, Chisholm was standing well off the bag at first, flat-footed and completely unprepared for Edwards to fire the ball behind him and complete an inning-ending double play.
Yankees trading for Rockies' Jake Bird would be a mistake
The New York Yankees still have multiple holes to fill in their roster before MLB’s July 31 trade deadline. One of those holes is in the bullpen, as New York’s 4.38 relief squad ERA is good for the fifth highest in the American League. However, one of the main relievers Yankees GM Brian Cashman is targeting doesn’t appear to be much of an upgrade. Colorado Rockies RHP Jake Bird is reported to be at or near the top of the Yankees’ bullpen wishlist.
Why Yankees' trade for All-Star 3B is disappointing
The New York Yankees’ first move ahead of the July 31 MLB trade deadline falls a bit flat. They traded two prospects most fans have never heard of to acquire Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon, a lackluster move that indicates New York is throwing in the towel on the 2025 season. McMahon is an upgrade — but only a slight one. Yankees GM Brian Cashman replaced a .147 hitter in Oswald Peraza with a .217 hitter in McMahon, who also happens to lead the National League in strikeouts (127).
The case for the Yankees trading Ben Rice at the deadline
Numbers like that and a remaining half-decade of team control makes him an incredibly valuable trade piece. And with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and DH Giancarlo Stanton relegating Rice to part-time play, the Yankees could maximize his current value by trading him. Offering Rice in trade proposals could enable the Yankees to upgrade without offloading top prospects like George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones and Cam Schlittler.
Yankees' trade-deadline plans must include these two infielders
As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are shopping for everything from bullpen and rotation additions to infield help. Regarding the latter, two infielders are clearly the best options: Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Willi Castro Castro is a perfect fit for the Yankees.
Why the Yankees can’t rely on Carlos Rodon
The 32-year-old has two great seasons on his resume. He pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA in 2021 and 2022, netting a six-year, $162M contract from the Yankees. Outside of those two seasons, Rodon has been a low 4.00 ERA starter at best, and a 6.85 ERA pitcher over 14 starts during his first year in pinstripes at worst.
Yankees must part ways with former top prospect
When Giancarlo Stanton returned to the lineup, the New York Yankees designated infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes for assignment. That move made sense, as Reyes was unable to distinguish himself as a Bomber, producing just a .468 OPS in limited playing time. But to replace Reyes’ versatility, the Yankees are foolishly preparing infielder Oswald Peraza for possible outfield duty. This year, New York has given Peraza an excellent opportunity to prove he’s an MLB hitter, and he’s failed miserably.
Could one concerning trend derail Yankees' championship aspirations?
On paper, the New York Yankees are one of the best MLB teams in 2025. They’re second in OPS and third in runs scored in all of baseball, and they lead the AL East with a 42-28 record. However, whenever the spotlight is on them, they turn into a comically terrible team. The issue first reared its head in a World Series rematch against the Los Angeles Dodgers a couple of weeks ago. Riding a five-game winning streak into the series, the Yankees proceeded to get dominated.
How Yankees can keep Ben Rice in the lineup
First, Boone could platoon the lefty-swinging Rice at first base with Goldschmidt, a right-handed hitter. That may seem like an absurd idea, as Goldschmidt is a former superstar hitting .310/.366/.459. But after a torrid start to the season, Goldschmidt is starting to show his age. Goldy entered May hitting .361/.406/.500.
Yankees should be wary of Trent Grisham’s success
His incredible start to the 2025 season has helped Yankees fans forget all about Juan Soto jilting the Yankees in free agency. But fans and Yankees decision-makers alike should take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Grisham doesn’t have a track record of stellar offense. He’s a .217/.316/.395 career hitter. Even if he continues raking all year, there’s a good chance the season is an aberration. Grisham may be a late bloomer. Or maybe the New York spotlight has elevated his game.
Cody Bellinger-Jasson Dominguez platoon could spark Yankees' offense
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is one of the most significant problems in the Bombers’ lineup. He’s weakly slashing .204/.281/.357, effectively killing rallies in the middle of the order. But a dip into his splits shows there’s a possible temporary fix. The lefty swinging Bellinger is killing southpaws, putting up a .931 OPS against them, compared to a .557 OPS versus right-handed hurlers.
Yankees must drop Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the bottom of the lineup
The New York Yankees have a massive hole in the middle of their lineup, and its name is Jazz Chisholm Jr. Rather than dumping every rally into that hole, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has to move it somewhere less consequential — such as ninth in the batting order. Fans who remember the second baseman bursting into the Bronx last season by slashing .273/.325/.500 in 46 games with the Bombers may balk at the idea of dropping him into the nine hole.
Why Yankees must move Devin Williams to setup immediately
Weaver has yet to give up a run in 13 innings. He’s allowed just three hits, struck out 13, and collected two saves. With a tested closer like Weaver on hand, Aaron Boone must immediately demote Williams to a setup role. If Boone lets Williams blow another save or two, he may not even have enough confidence left to be effective in the seventh and eighth innings. But if he drops him to setup now, there’s a chance he works his way back to the domination he’s known for.
This season is make-or-break for Yankees SS Anthony Volpe
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe may be just 23, but he’s already in his third MLB season. He showed signs of good things to come in his first two years, but the shine is beginning to wear off of the once highly-touted prospect. If Vople doesn’t start putting everything together in 2025, his job status should be questionable heading into 2026. As a 21-year-old rookie, Volpe displayed impressive power for a middle infielder, crushing 21 homers to go along with 23 doubles and four triples.
Yankees may have to get Jasson Dominguez off the field
New York could temporarily solve the problem by moving him to DH full-time, at least until Giancarlo Stanton returns. That would put Oswaldo Cabrera in left and Oswald Peraza or Pablo Reyes at third base. The problem with that fix is that the Bombers would lose Ben Rice. A catcher and first baseman by trade, Rice has started two of the Yankees' first three games at DH.
Sean Brady should be second in line for UFC welterweight title
Shavkat Rakhmonov, currently the second-ranked welterweight contender, is still rightfully next up. Rakhmonov was meant to take on welterweight champion Belal Muhammad twice now, only missing out because of injuries. Muhammad pulled out of their planned title bout at UFC 310 due to a bone infection. Rakhmonov then said he was offered a title shot at UFC 315 but was unable to compete as he’s recovering from a knee injury. As a result, Muhammad will defend his belt against Jack Della Maddalena.
Only two fights make sense for UFC legend Dustin Poirier's finale
Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Only two fights make sense for UFC legend Dustin Poirier's finale
UFC lightweight legend Dustin Poirier is preparing to retire after one final fight. There’s been much talk about who his opponent should be — Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Max Holloway and even a tournament featuring all of the above are just some of the ideas floating around in the MMA world. However, none of those names make sense for The Diamond’s last hurrah. Poirier should fight either lightweight champion Islam Makhachev or soon-to-be-lightweight Ilia Topuria.
Sean Strickland doesn’t care about the middleweight belt
Tarzan also claimed a headbutt from Du Plessis that filled his left eye with blood made him lose to Du Plessis. “It would’ve been a cakewalk,” Strickland said when Okamoto referenced a lack of vision impacting the outcome of the first fight. Whatever happens at UFC 312, it’s probably good that Strickland doesn’t care about the belt, because even if he gets it he’ll probably have to fight Khamzat Chimaev next.
Why Yankees should trade whatever it takes for Luis Arraez
The 27-year-old is a .323 career hitter, and he’s put up 200 or more hits in the last two seasons while striking out only 63 times. While base hits and batting averages have been devalued and strikeout totals overlooked in the league recently, they shouldn’t be. The Yankees are great at putting runners on base. In the 2024 World Series, they outhit the Los Angeles Dodgers in almost every category. The Bombers series OBP was .332 compared to the Dodgers’ .296 mark.
Watch: Dana White calls Merab Dvalishvili his ‘mini Strickland’
Merab Dvalishvili wasn’t at UFC 310 to fight, but he ended up getting a few punches in anyway. As he walked in with his pal Aljamain Sterling, The Machine stopped to exchange blows with a fan. At the post-fight news conference, UFC President Dana White had the perfect reaction to Dvalishvili’s scuffle. Per a video posted by the UFC, White was asked whether the UFC would punish Davlishvili, and he responded. “He’s my mini [Sean] Strickland—without the mouth. What do you do?
Dustin Poirier calls out Nate Diaz for possible BMF title eliminator
With just two fights left in his career — unless he changes his mind again — Poirier, 35, is likely looking for the biggest payouts he can get. The 39-year-old Diaz is an excellent choice. One of the most outlandish and beloved characters in UFC history, Diaz would draw plenty of interest from fans. Plus, the two have unfinished business. They were set to fight at UFC 230 in 2018, but the bout was canceled due to a Poirier injury.
Watch: Merab Dvalishvili hilariously calls out Dana White for mispronouncing his name
“Hey, boss. Dana, now that our business meeting is done, I would like to come and have a friendly meeting with you to get to really know me—especially how to say my last name before the fight,” The Machine said in a video posted to his Instagram account. My last name is not ‘Davishville.’ My last name is ‘Dvalishvili.’ Love you, boss. I’m here always. Company boy.” Merab is known for his fun-loving side.
Merab Dvalishvili looks to take Umar Nurmagomedov’s zero at UFC 311
“Merab came into the office late last night, told us that he is tired of listening to Umar disrespect him and wanted to make this fight happen as soon as possible,” White said in a video posted on X. “We called Umar. He was sleeping in Dagestan, and he said ‘Hell yes; anywhere, anytime.’” Dvalishvili had been reluctant to accept the fight, casting doubt on White’s narrative.
Merab Dvalishvili accuses UFC of Nurmagomedov nepotism
"Professor Dvalishvili" delivered a detailed lesson on bantamweight history. He first pointed out that in his 11-fight winning streak, he’s taken down four former champions: Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and José Aldo. Dvalishvili next extolled Yan’s history of beating top-ranked fighters like Deiveson Figueiredo, Song Yadong, Cory Sandhagen and Aldo — as well as losing a split decision to O’Malley.
Why Merab Dvalishvili needs to call out Umar Nurmagomedov
Dvalishvili’s main excuse is that Nurmagomedov needs more notable fights before challenging for the title. After all, Sandhagen is the only household UFC name on the Dagestani’s resume. Meanwhile, the Georgian has knocked off a string of champions in his last four fights: O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, Yan and José Aldo. But Dvalishvili’s argument isn’t strong enough.
Why Yankees should trade for pair of Cubs stars
MLB trade rumors have connected the New York Yankees to the entire right side of the Chicago Cubs infield — first baseman Cody Bellinger and second baseman Nico Hoerner. Here’s why New York should turn these rumors into reality. Bellinger has had an up-and-down career. He burst into the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 39-homer Rookie of the Year and won NL MVP two years later. After that, he completely lost his mojo.
Aaron Judge doesn’t care how much money Yankees offer Juan Soto
"Honestly, it ain't my money,” Judge told Newsday reporter David Lennon. “I really don't care. As long as we get the best players." Judge’s lack of concern over compensation is typical of his selfless public-facing image. Also, his words demonstrate acute self-awareness. Coming off a postseason in which he hit a lowly .184/.344/.408 and had 11 more strikeouts (20) than hits (nine), Judge is in no position to demand superstar treatment.
Dana White on possible Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones matchup: ‘We’ll get it done’
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight interim champion Tom Aspinall. But their boss has other ideas. When asked about a potential matchup between Jones and Aspinall, UFC President Dana White said he’d make the blockbuster fight happen, despite Jones’ eccentric ways. “I got Tom waiting outside for me right now, and Jon — you let Jon do Jon,” White said, per the UFC. “Jon’s going to disappear. Not only will you not hear about him or what he’s doing, neither will I.
Why Nolan Arenado isn’t a good fit for the Yankees
Nolan Arenado trade rumors abound, and much of the gossip connects the third baseman to the New York Yankees. But the Bombers would be wise to stay far away from the St. Louis Cardinals star. The Yankees are retooling their infield this offseason. They have the option to let Gleyber Torres walk in free agency and possibly move Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the hot corner to second base — opening the door for Arenado. Once a star with a platinum glove and a powerful bat, Arenado is rapidly declining.
Why Yankees shouldn't sign Christian Walker
The New York Yankees need a first baseman. Christian Walker is one of the best first basemen available and, therefore, constantly connected to the Bombers in hot-stove conversations. But he is not the answer for New York. Walker, a late bloomer who has blossomed into a B-level star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, does have a couple of things going for him, though.
A case against the Yankees signing 3B Alex Bregman
Rumors of the New York Yankees’ interest in signing third baseman Alex Bregman have circulated for awhile. Data shows that would be a terrible idea for the Bombers. For starters, Bregman won’t hit for much power as a Yankee. He built his power reputation during the . He hit 31 homers in 2018, 41 in 2019, and he hasn’t put up more than 26 in a season since. As a Yankee, fans could expect even fewer long balls. Bregman, a right-handed hitter, likes to pull his homers.
Yankees commentator is right about Juan Soto and the Yankees
Continue reading More for You
Yankees commentator is right about Juan Soto and the Yankees
The New York Yankees have a lot to work on this offseason, including deciding whether or not to offer Juan Soto something near the $700 million he’s seeking in free agency. Bombers radio color commentator Suzyn Waldman dropped her two cents on the matter recently, and she was right. “[Juan Soto] is really something; what he is not, is a right fielder,” Waldman said on “Maggie and Perloff,” according to New York Post reporter Dylan Svoboda.
Merab Dvalishvili again says he’ll fight Umar Nurmagomedov
The words alone indicate begrudging acceptance. But that sentiment is clearly hammered home by the image on the post. The graphic shows that Dvalishvili has taken out multiple former champions (Petr Yan, Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo), while Nurmagomedov has only knocked off one contender (Cory Sandhagen). Fans have accused Dvalishvili of being afraid to fight Nurmagomedov. The cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar is 18-0 and a dangerous striker and wrestler.
Henry Cejudo believes Khamzat Chimaev will get title shot over Sean Strickland
Cejudo’s podcast co-host, fellow fighter Kamaru Usman, was curious about how the UFC could simply bypass Strickland, who UFC President Dana White has said will fight Du Plessis next. However, Cejudo countered that Strickland’s last fight, a controversial split decision against Paulo Costa at UFC 302, was lackluster. Chimaev vs. Du Plessis is the more exciting matchup, argued Cejudo.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith 'disgusted' by Aaron Judge’s playoff performance
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has been a super dud so far this postseason. High-profile Yankees fan Stephen A. Smith has finally had enough. "I am so disgusted with Aaron Judge," Smith bellowed on his ESPN show "First Take." "…What the hell is going on with Aaron Judge?
Dricus Du Plessis calls out Khamzat Chimaev for future fight
Du Plessis will likely have to get through a challenge from Sean Strickland early next year before he attempts to hand Chimaev his first loss. However, if for some reason Strickland — who is known for reckless behavior outside the octagon — can’t fight, Chimaev is the logical next choice. Chimaev has accused the top middleweights of running from his smashing style, but it’s unlikely that Du Plessis would shy away.
Max Holloway is stoked for Ilia Topuria-Alexander Volkanovski rematch
At this point, it looks unlikely that Holloway will stick around at 145 to take another crack at Topuria or Volkanovski right away. Instead, Blessed talked a lot about how exciting another fight at lightweight could be. Holloway is currently the No. 5 lightweight contender. After he knocked out lightweight Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to claim the BMF belt, a fight against former BMF belt challenger Dustin Poirier could be in the works.
Sean Strickland tells Khamzat Chimaev to get back in line for title fight Original
After easily running through Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 on Saturday, Khamzat Chimaev is on track for a title shot very soon. But soon isn’t fast enough for the Chechen, who told UFC president Dana White as much following his latest victory. “Dana, what’s wrong with UFC, man?” he yelled in his post-fight octagon interview with Daniel Cormier. “Give me the belt.” Chimaev did admit he’s willing to wait in a later interview, but he has a case to be next in line.
Aaron Judge desperately needs to have a great World Series
Lost in the revelry surrounding the New York Yankees’ long-awaited return to the World Series is one disturbing fact. Aaron Judge still can’t hit in the playoffs. After a dud of an ALDS, Judge was on the verge of playoff irrelevance heading into the ALCS. A couple of long balls and a series win later, everyone seems to have forgotten about the Yankee captain’s postseason struggles. But Judge is far from redeemed. He did homer in Game 2 and Game 3 of the ALCS.
Aaron Rodgers disputes his most embarrassing pick from Jets' loss
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw two picks to help the Pittsburgh Steelers trounce the Jets, 37-15, on Sunday. But Rodgers’ most embarrassing pick of the day came while he was on the bench having a Gardner Minshew moment. Cameras caught Rodgers picking around his nostrils before sticking his fingers in his mouth. Immediately, the internet erupted with accusations of booger eating.
Joe Torre gives Yankees' Aaron Boone some World Series advice
After leading the New York Yankees to six World Series appearances, Joe Torre knows a thing or two about what Aaron Boone is about to go through. So what advice does Torre have for the Yankees' current skipper? “I remind managers who they are and how to use their experience in the game,” Torre said when the New York Post's Dan Martin asked him what advice he’s offered Boone.
Ilia Topuria says if he can’t take BMF belt, he’ll make it worthless
Veteran MMA fighter Max Holloway said his BMF belt isn’t up for grabs when he takes on Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title at UFC 308. Perhaps unhappy that he’s the only one risking it all in the fight, Topuria dropped a logic bomb to obliterate Holloway’s stinginess: "You will lose a lot of value if someone comes and defeats you, even if you don't put the BMF belt at stake,” The Georgian and Spanish fighter said, per CBS reporter Shakiel Mahjouri. “Imagine what's going to happen after Oct.
Four key Yankees love hitting at Dodger Stadium
If Verdugo gets anywhere near that slash line while he’s in L.A. this time around, he’ll make Yankees fans forget all about his .194/.286/.258 line to this point in the 2024 playoffs. The Yankees likely won’t win this series if they don’t score an abundance of runs. Los Angeles is loaded with offensive firepower from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts to Teoscar Hernandez and Freddie Freeman.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Aaron
Contact Aaron, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack