Out of the Chaos, a New Yankees Leadoff Star is Born: Projected their Opening Day Batting Lineup

Remember that scary New York Yankees lineup where DJ LeMahieu was expected to lead off for Juan Soto and the captain Aaron Judge? It’s a cruel twist that dark clouds have covered the expected dawn of a new era. With LeMahieu almost set to miss the Opening Day the Pinstripes are in flux. However, they don’t have time to panic as the clock won’t stop ticking. The Yankees need to find a solution but then what if they’ve already found one?

It isn’t like the New York Yankees aren’t used to this situation. After all last season, the Bombers continuously made appointments at the doctor’s office. With so many injuries to boot, they recognized the importance of versatility. That has benefitted the Yankees right now as despite losing LeMahieu, they still have quite a few options on their squad.

Yankees Beat writer Erik Boland reported the Bronx Bombers’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the game, one particular information made things quite interesting. Soto and Judge remained in their 2nd and 3rd position and leading them off was surprisingly Gleyber Torres, who continued his beautiful Spring Training form.

Certainly, with Torres entering his walk year, he has a point to prove. He finished last season with a strong OBP of .347 and was given 67 walks. Both of these numbers are highly suitable for a leadoff striker. So provided Torres stays in this position the Yankees’ lineup might look like this:

1. Gleyber Torres – 2B
2. Juan Soto – RF (L)
3. Aaron Judge – CF
4. Giancarlo Stanton – DH
5. Anthony Rizzo – 1B (L)
6. Anthony Volpe – SS
7. Alex Verdugo – LF (L)
8. Jose Trevino – C/ or Austin Wells 
9. Oswaldo Cabrera – 3B (S)

But then there’s another prediction that has come out recently. The Athletic’s Brandon Kuty has given his two cents on the matter. Certainly, his list looks quite surprising and different from this. 

Predictions galore as the New York Yankees’ lineup excites all 

According to Kuty’s lineup, Torres won’t be starting. Instead, he’d be playing in number 3! So where does Judge go? Well! He’d be the leadoff hitter. It does make sense due to All Rise’s past experience in the position. Judge has played 36 games as a leadoff and has an average of .352 with 1.177 OPS in this spot. But 34 of those games came in 2022 when he was going through a historic 62-homer season.

Another point against it could be that Judge has repeatedly asked to play in No. 3. Now that he’s finally getting his wish fulfilled, one wonders whether he’d like to move to a position that can change the entire balance of their squad.

Still with four days to go till Opening Day Aaron Boone has a lot of time to deliberate. Even if it’s a little cloudy, this still is the dawn of a new era.

Read more: New York Yankees’ Rotation Questions Grow, Surprise Prospect Joins Race for Final Starting Spot