MLB news: New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays

It’s the last day of January and, as we finish off the last month without baseball until potentially December, let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including a hire for the New York Yankees, stadium news for the Tampa Bay Rays, and a beloved fan mourned by the Cleveland Guardians.

New York Yankees news: Brad Wilkerson hired as assistant hitting coach

The Yankees have added to their hitting resources with the hire of Wilkerson, who played for four MLB teams over a span of eight seasons between 2001-08. Wilkerson is expected to slide into the role vacated by Hensley Meulens, who left the Yankees this offseason to become the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies and talked with us about the success of Aaron Judge last season.

For the last three years, Wilkerson has worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Jacksonville University.

MLB news: Darren O’Day announces retirement

After 15 MLB seasons, relief pitcher Darren O’Day announced on social media that he is stepping away from the game.

O’Day suited up for six different teams during his career, including last season when he appeared in 28 games with the Atlanta Braves. He walks away with a career 2.59 ERA/3.48 FIP/1.034 WHIP in 609.0 innings over 644 games.

Tampa Bay Rays news: Redevelopment plans for Tropicana Field area

Tropicana Field and the surrounding area are reportedly undergoing a major facelift in the coming months in an effort to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg.

On Monday, St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch announced plans for a new stadium for the Rays as part of an 86-acre rebuild. According to reports, a new ballpark would be opened in time for the 2028 season.

You can see a rendering of the plan, as well as read about what will be included in the area along with the new stadium here.

Cleveland Guardians news: Saying goodbye to an icon

The famous drum that has been a part of Cleveland baseball for decades has fallen silent.

Scroll through the mentions following that Twitter announcement and you’ll see just how many fans Adams impacted during his years of making himself heard in Cleveland.