HALFWAY MARK: The Yankees' MVP and LVP of 2026 (so far) could be a surprise

New York Yankees hit the midseason mark with question marks and controversy. Who stands out as the Bronx Bombers’ MVP—and who’s dragging the team down? Stacey Gotsulias and Brian McKeon go head-to-head, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's Cy Young candidacy and Ben Rice’s steady bat as potential season saviors, while Austin Wells’s struggles at the plate and Aaron Judge’s lingering injury woes spark debate about the Yankees’ true least valuable player. From analyzing Ben Rice’s splits, fielding impact, and the void left by Judge, to breaking down the Yankees’ brutal recent stretch and fading lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, the hosts dissect the team's critical juncture. Previewing the series against the Minnesota Twins—including key matchups featuring Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon—they question whether home attendance will plummet during a losing streak and scorching holiday weekend. Can the Yankees rebound and reclaim the AL East lead, or is more frustration on the horizon? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.