The start of Spring Training appears like a dream come true for the New York Yankees, who lost the first game to the Phillies. But they have returned strong ever since with three consecutive victories, including a no-run sweep of the Braves. However, prior to the Grapefruit League, and even now, their concerns at particular positions, including stop and left field in specific, haven’t disappeared. Nevertheless, an unknown name from the Yankees’ right field stood out in the Yanks’ 8-5 victory against the Detroit Tigers.
22-year-old Tayler Aguilar, with no MLB appearances yet, recently made it to the Yankees’ 40-man roster after getting drafted in round 15 at 460 in the 2022 draft. Now, in only his third Spring Training game, Aguilar has shocked the world of baseball with an absolute bullet arm.
The Yanks are shining brightly in the outfield
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With one down in the eighth innings and the Yankees leading 6-5, Colt Keith hit a fly ball to right field. Tayler Aguilar safely catches the ball, and with a bullet arm, throws a missile to end the innings and prevent the Tigers from leveling.
https://twitter.com/mrmatthewcfb/status/1630381516705480705?t=0nikb_z5cv3jkyocii8dcg&s=08
Tayler Aguilar, stationed in right field, stepped up to the plate twice during the game. Although he drew a base on balls in his first at-bat, he came through with a hit in his second turn and drove in a run.
This is how fans reacted to Aguilar’s rocket throw:
Never thought he’d throw that runner out the way he set up instead of coming in on the ball. Kid’s got talent!
— Rod Ragazzo (@NYY7NYJ12) February 28, 2023
Great toss! https://t.co/VtZj3wQ3NI
— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) February 28, 2023
That throw 🔥
— Sofia Fuertes🇩🇴 (@SofiaFuertes4) February 28, 2023
I know he wasn’t very deep in right field when he caught it – but he caught it flat footed and double clutched and still threw the runner out.
— Allan Linden (@NYFanInCT) February 28, 2023
My new favorite player
— Anthony Volpe Truther #FireBrianCashman (@VonMillerElite) February 28, 2023
Aguilar > Hicks
— Connor (@ConnYoungberg) February 28, 2023
Brings me joy seeing an Aguilar in a yankee uniform
— Leo (@arsenalfanleo) February 28, 2023
if he can play left, we’ll talk
— cece (@l1ttleobl1v1ons) February 28, 2023
An absolute SEED https://t.co/0hOo0zfwDJ
— SmokelyCarmichael (@DeuceSkywalker) February 28, 2023
After their third consecutive Grapefruit League victory, the Yanks will next take on Tampa Bay Rays at the Disney Parks-owned, Champion Stadium.
The New York Yankees and their left field dilemma
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With Aaron Judge assumed to start at right field (unless he makes the switch to left), and Harrison Bader’s experience in center, the Yanks are left with Aaron Hicks to play in the left field.
Well, Aaron Hicks’ is a volatile name to use near the Yankees fanbase presently. Nevertheless, with Giancarlo Stanton highly available to play at right field, Aaron Judge’s potential shift to left could solve multiple problems for the Pinstripes.
Will Tayler Aguilar find a place in the Yankees lineup once the 2023 season commences? With that arm, he probably should. But the Yanks are already pretty over-staffed in the outfield. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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