The New York Yankees will be looking forward to getting the 2022 season underway. With a largely underwhelming 2021 campaign culminating in a wild card loss to arch-rivals, Boston Red Sox. Opening Day allows them to avenge that loss.
And while the Yankees may not have strengthened as most expected them to in the off-season, their roster still sports some bona fide stars; especially with the likes of Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton, all featuring. The Yankees will be expected to deliver when they take the diamond.
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With superstar-free agents like Carlos Correa and Freddie Freeman both ending up on different rosters despite being linked to the pinstripes in the off-season, the Yankees may have expected a better lineup coming Opening Day.
But, the player they have at their disposal aren’t too much of a step down in terms of talent. Hosting one of the most valuable rosters in MLB, the Yankees will need to do well to justify their paycheck over the season.
How the New York Yankees could line-up
The New York Yankees may not have signed the top free agents this off-season, but they certainly seem to have acted to plug their roster gaps.
Catcher
While Rortvedt’s injury means that he will require some more time before he ramps up for season action, Kyle Higashioka will probably bear the Catcher’s glove behind home plate. The catcher position also poses some depth. With Jose Trevino joining from the Texas Rangers, and with Rortvedt out for some time in the season, he could be asked to deputize as well.
Infield
The infield will likely be the usual suspects. With Anthony Rizzo manning 1st base and DJ LeMahieu at second base; newcomer, Josh Donaldson will be expected to take 3rd to start the season. And while the Yankees were probably looking to shore up their shortstop by acquiring Carlos Correa, it seems as though the season will start with Gleyber Torres in between the bases. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also travels with the squad and could come on as a late-game substitution.
Outfield
The outfield looks more settled with Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Aaron Hicks all on the roster. And although the league has seen the advent of Universal Designated Hitter, Opening Day could see Giancarlo Stanton slot into the outfield to take some defensive responsibilities.
Pitching
Starting pitching seems to be relatively clear, though. With Gerrit Cole on your roster, it’s unlikely you will be searching for another option. And with the Wild Card Game in fresh memory, Cole will make it to the mound with an ax to grind against the Red Sox. Moreover, with Luis Severino, Jameson Taillon, and Jordan Montgomery all on the roster; the Yankees have some stability in that department.
Meanwhile, their relief pitching remains largely unchanged from the 2021 season. Miguel Castro makes his way across from Queens and will take his place in the bullpen too. Moreover, the Yankees also boast the services of Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Loáisiga for later in the game.
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While Yankees fans might be slightly disappointed with how their season in 2021 went, things certainly seem to be looking up. And with their Opening Game set to be against the Boston Red Sox, they will be expecting some fireworks. But do you think they have what it takes this season? Or is their roster still lacking in key areas?