Yankees evacuate personnel and players from Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida's west coast – expected to make landfall early Thursday morning – the Yankees were among those making preparations.

The organization, of course, trains at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, which is currently directly in the path of what is expected to be a historically severe storm, and about a mile from there is the organization's minor league complex.

In addition to the many club employees who live in Tampa, quite a few players – including Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu – have homes there.

“We evacuated, closed the instructional league a few days ago and also our alternate team (major leaguers who could be added to the ALDS roster in the event of an injury or could simply be available for the next round if the team advances) got out of there,” GM Brian Cashman said on the field at Kauffman Stadium before Game 3. “We're definitely thinking and praying for everyone who's in this condition because everyone knows how bad this thing is supposed to be…that's right now the real world.” Apparently Florida just suffered a devastating blow (with Hurricane Helene in late September) and now they have this. It's just really scary stuff. I hope and pray that everyone is safe and the damage is minimal, but that likely won’t be the case.”

Aaron Boone called the storm “a dose of perspective.”

“We have a handful of people that have their spots down there and we're based there (as an organization) and it's an uncertain time,” Boone said. “You just have to pray for the best and hope for safety for people.”

According to a team spokesperson, Steinbrenner Field will be used as a “refuge for our employees and their families.”

With Anthony Rieber