The Yankees aren't finished just yet

This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch's Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

There are goal posts in center field and near home plate at Yankee Stadium, where the grounds crew is preparing for the upcoming Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, to be played between Minnesota and Syracuse on Dec. 29.

But it is baseball season behind the scenes, as the Yankees held news conferences this week to celebrate substantial new deals for outfielder Aaron Judge and left-hander Carlos Rodón.

"Aaron is somebody I know and respect and love, going through the wars and the grind," manager Aaron Boone said. "So there's that appreciation and the excitement of bringing back an iconic player. But then there's the other end of the spectrum, where you're bringing in a guy that's super talented that you're just getting to know. They're both exciting in different kinds of ways."

As Judge's nine-year, $360 million pact was announced on Tuesday, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced that Judge will become the 16th captain in franchise history. The event was attended by Derek Jeter, the most recent Yankees captain.

• Jeter on Judge being captain: 'This is historic'

"This is an incredible honor that I don't take lightly," Judge said. "I'm going to continue to try to be the same leader that I've been for the past six years. I'll continue to lead by example. I know there's probably going to be a couple more responsibilities with this, but I'm here to embrace every single obstacle. I'll continue to lead this team, and lead this city to not one but multiple championships down the road."

One day later, it was Rodón's turn to take the stage. The Yankees have long had eyes on Rodón, including an attempt to trade for the 30-year-old at last year's Trade Deadline, when he was in the midst of an All-Star season with the Giants. San Francisco decided to hold on to Rodón then, but the Yankees eventually got their man.

"Winning has been at the top of my list as a player," Rodón said. "As we know, it's the Yankee way. I've always enjoyed pitching at Yankee Stadium; it seems like I have good numbers here. Just putting on these pinstripes is something special. A lot of legends have been with this organization. There's a lot of history here."

With new deals for Judge, Rodón, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right-hander Tommy Kahnle already having been announced, Steinbrenner said that the Yankees aren't done yet. Left field figures to be the obvious next area of focus; general manager Brian Cashman is believed to have engaged with the Pirates about a potential deal for Bryan Reynolds, who recently requested a trade.

"For me, there's always something next," Cashman said. "These are important additions and that task is accomplished, but there's always more to accomplish. Your team is never perfect unless you're crowned champion."