The new year is (just about) upon us and although the Yankees won 100 games last season it feels that they are far from being a complete team.
For today’s post, I have broken my article into two sections. The first part of the article will focus on what I feel the Yankees need to do and the second part of the article will list what I think they will actually do.
What the Yankees Need To Do:
Get some veteran depth at first base. The Yankees seem pretty sold on Luke Voit being the starting first baseman in 2019. I feel that his great run just doesn’t match up against his career numbers. Although I hope I’m wrong and he has just finally found his groove, I doubt it. Perhaps a reunion with Mark Reynolds might do the trick. Perhaps at 35 Reyonlds would come on a minor league deal that would be worth $1.5 million if he makes the Yankees roster with an option for free agency if he doesn’t get called up by a specific date.
Find a middle infielder that can hit more than Tyler Wade. This shouldn’t be too difficult as Wade hasn’t hit at all. Don’t get me wrong, I like Tyler Wade and his speed and glove. If he could only hit like he did at Scranton in 2017, the Yanks would be in good shape. Jed Lowrie anyone? Or, perhaps they can get a utility guy as part of a trade for Sonny Gray.
Sign at least two relievers. My votes go to Adam Ottavino and Zach Britton. Cashman is great at catching lightning in a bottle with relievers and finding guys who are either young and hungry or old and get a jolt when they don the pinstripes.
Sign Manny Machado!
Sign or trade for corner outfield depth. Anyone who believes that a left field collection of Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Clint Frazier seems rock solid has more faith than me. Also, don’t tell me Giancarlo Stanton will play left. I don’t buy that one either. The solution, just sign Bryce Harper – problem solved!
Sign a sixth starter. The starting rotation has some question marks and C.C. Sabathia isn’t exactly an innings eater these days.
What I Think the Yankees Will Actually Do:
I think they believe that between Luke Voit and Greg Bird, one of them will perform well enough. To start, I think they are going to ride the Voit train until it falls off the tracks.
I think they will sign a middle infielder but it will be all glove no bat kind of guy. Perhaps this will approach will lead to a reunion with Adeiny Hechavarria.
I think they will sign Adam Ottavino but will miss out on Britton who will find a job as a closer.
I believe Manny Machado is going to be in pinstripes but I really have no clue what this will mean for Miguel Andujar. Will they trade him? Can he shift positions when Didi Gregorius returns? I think smart money goes with nobody giving the Yankees what Andujar is worth in trade (or what they think he’s worth). I think the Yankees will hold on to Andujar and perhaps try him at first base or in the outfield in Spring Training to see if it’s possible for him to play either (or both) of those positions. If it’s not, I think the Yankees will trade him at the deadline (assuming that Didi is back) for whatever the biggest need is. My guess is that pitching will be a big need at that time.
I think they are going to go with left field as it stands and see who wins it outright in the spring. Here is a bold prediction – Jacoby Ellsbury is the Opening Day left fielder.
I think the Yankees will pick up a guy who can start or work from the pen. Perhaps this will be a veteran who has proven he is capable of handling such a role. This will be a low cost deal for a James Shields or Sergio Romo type.
Finally, here is my Yankees opening day line-up prediction:
Hicks- CF
Judge- RF
Machado- SS
Stanton- DH
Andujar- 3B
Sanchez- C
Voit- 1B
Torres- 2B
Ellsbury- LF
Pitcher: Severino
Let’s hear your opening day line-up in the comments below.
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