The New York Yankees are having another strong season — a welcome sight after falling short in last year’s World Series. Even after receiving their 2024 American League championship rings, one key player made it clear that he’s not satisfied. Reaching the Fall Classic is one thing. Winning it — especially against teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers — is another challenge entirely.
Giancarlo Stanton’s Bold Stance on the Yankees’ AL Rings
Each player who helped the Yankees win the AL pennant last season received a 14-karat white gold ring. The hardware featured the iconic Yankee lettering and top hat logo, encircled by the words “American League Champions 2024.”
As striking as the rings are, though, New York outfielder Giancarlo Stanton didn’t hesitate to offer his honest reaction.
The Yankees recently received their 2024 AL championship rings, a bittersweet gesture. Giancarlo Stanton told the group: “This isn’t the one we wanted.” They’re using them as motivation to finish the job: https://t.co/HpMoUCr5M6
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 29, 2025
“This isn’t the one we wanted, boys,” Stanton said. “The one that we want is in front of us. I’d better not see any of you guys wearing these around.”
Some might think the veteran slugger is being too harsh, but others see it as the mentality a title-hungry team needs. After coming within reach of a championship, Stanton’s message is a reminder that second place doesn’t cut it in the Bronx.
And he’s not alone.
With Stanton’s rally cry, others echoed similar sentiments. Reliever Tim Hill said, “It was cool. It would be cooler if it were a World Series ring. It was kind of like, ‘Ahh, that’s not the one we wanted.’ I looked at it once, and then I threw it in a box.”
Carlos Rodón didn’t mince words: “First loser — that’s what it represented to me.”
While Yankees manager Aaron Boone respects the AL title, he understands the standard in New York.
“We want that first-place one,” Boone said. “At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that we were American League champions. That’s important. That matters.”
Now in 2025, the Yankees sit at 35-20. While it’s an impressive record, neither they nor the Dodgers currently boasts the best winning percentage in their respective leagues. The Detroit Tigers lead the AL (37-20), while the Philadelphia Phillies (35-19) top the NL.
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The Yankees do, however, hold a seven-game lead in their division, which is currently the widest margin in all of MLB. The Dodgers, at 34-22, meanwhile, hold a two-game lead in the NL West.
Both New York and Los Angeles are off on Thursday, May 29. But all eyes will be on their upcoming showdown. From May 30 to June 1, the Dodgers will host the Yankees for a three-game set — a potential World Series preview — airing on Apple TV+, FOX, and ESPN2.