As spring training unfolds next month, the New York Yankees will dwell on getting the lineup formation right. This season, Aaron Boone’s hands are full. He has extensive depth to play around as he pleases. Thus, spring training will serve as the best opportunity to take as many risks as the skipper wants. Having said that, before the season officially kicks off in March, some players are already in Tampa, prepping for spring training. On that note, let’s look at the pre-season roster projections to determine who fits where and, most importantly, who gets dropped.
Yankees’ Projected Hitting Lineup
DJ LeMahieu 3B, Aaron Judge CF, Juan Soto RF, Gleyber Torres 2B, Anthony Rizzo 1B, Giancarlo Stanton DH, Alex Verdugo LF, Jose Trevino C, Anthony Volpe SS.
For the first time in the past couple of seasons, the New York Yankees hitting lineup looks stronger than ever. With Juan Soto, the team has its answer to offensive woes. Having said that, questions over Giancarlo Stanon’s role will linger until the slugger breaks out of his subpar performance. He has to do better than the .191 average season to keep his place on the lineup. With Trent Grisham and Jasson Dominguez awaiting their due, Stanton seems likely to get dropped if he underperforms. Also, Juan Soto seems most likely to appear below captain Aaron Judge on the hitting lineup, considering his fiery power. His presence will allow Judge to play with more freedom. Overall, the hitting lineup seems likely to produce wonders this year.
Yankees’ Bench
Austin Wells C, Trent Grisham OF, Oswaldo Cabrera UTIL, Oswald Peraza INF
Catcher Austin Wells impressed the whole Yankees unit with his stable hands last season. Thus, he will pair up with Jose Trevino as the team’s rotational catcher. Further, Trent Grisham is likely to take the field when Aaron Boone allows an off-day to either Aaron Judge or Juan Soto. Grisham is known for his defensive skills and could split time at left or center field. Oswaldo Cabrera will continue to serve as a utility player and is expected to up his game. Lastly, Oswald Peraza will serve as a backup infielder. The prospect will perhaps have to wait for his due a little longer.
Probable Starting Rotation
Gerrit Cole RHP, Carlos Rodn LHP, Marcus Stroman RHP, Nestor Cortes LHP, Clarke Schmidt RHP
Ace Gerrit Cole will continue to lead the starting pitching rotation as usual. He is a defending AL CY Young pitcher and seems likely to unleash his true potential. All eyes will be on Carlos Rodon as he looks to bounce back from an abysmal 2023 season. Rodon’s first year in pinstripes was an absolute nightmare. But the pitcher is working actively towards a turnaround. Besides, Nestor Cortes needs to prioritize his health, as his pitching prowess has been the best in the business. Meanwhile, the newest addition, Marcus Stroman, will set foot in the Bronx with high expectations. Hopefully, he wins the fans’ hearts before landing on its bad side. Clark Schmidt’s place is under threat as the Yankees are still in the hunt for pitching reinforcement.
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