SPANISH HARLEM – The New York Yankees are basically running it back with pretty much the same roster of players with a few exceptions. There were questions about this group last year, and those questions remain quite the same. Do the Yankees have enough to win the World Series? That question will be answered by the guys I will mention below. Let’s discuss the players that can impact this team to a championship.
Gerrit Cole
I’m sure the question on every one’s mind is… which Cole will the Yankees get this season? Experience tells me that there will be growing pains early, but if Cole can become the Cole we know and love by August, all bets on.
Max Fried
Fried was an absolute stud at times last season and so much fun to watch. If he can repeat what he did last season, with Cole coming back, the Yankees could potentially have two Aces in the starting rotation.
Cam Schlittler
This rookie who came out of nowhere was practically their best pitcher going into the playoffs. If he can continue his upward trajectory, we are looking at a super star in the making.
Cody Bellinger
This is the guy that will be protecting Aaron Judge in the lineup, and we need him to have big year. He got a ton of money from the Yankees and Brian Cashman will want to see a return on their investment.
Trent Grisham
Speaking of Cashman, he gambled on Trent turning down the qualifying offer and a draft pick in return. Grisham took 20 million and stayed, making it difficult to construct a roster that has a limit in how much money they want to spend. The Yankees will need a similar year to make this signing something they won’t regret.
David Bednar
Last but not least and before I list the whole roster, Bednar will anchor a bullpen that was downright awful for most of the season. The number of blown games certainly correlates with the Yankees not winning their division. The are still question marks to start the season but if Bednar can convert his opportunities into saves, that will go a long way towards making them the favorite to win their division.
That’s it for now, please come back tomorrow for more great content from Jackson Sternberg.
