While the off-season kicked off six weeks ago for the New York Yankees, the front office is unlikely to make a significant move until next month. MLB’s winter meetings will take place in Nashville, thus announcing the official commencement of the off-season. Having said that, the Yanks have already started enforcing moves.
Last week, the team non-tendered three relief pitchers and moved INF/OF Jake Bauers to Milwaukee Brewers. With that, the Yankees opened up four spaces on the 40-man roster. As free agency commences in two weeks’ time, let’s explore the probable starting lineup of the Bronx Bombers for the upcoming pivotal 2024 MLB season.
Yankees’ Likely To Have New Faces On 2024 MLB Season Opening Day Lineup!
The New York Yankees’ roster construction is majorly flawed. They have multiple holes in the outfield as well as the starting pitching rotation. Having said that, the lineup for the 2024 season could look a lot different than this year. DJ LeMahieu (3B), Aaron Judge (RF), Juan Soto (LF), Giancarlo Stanton (DH), Anthony Rizzo (1B), Gleyber Torres (2B), Kevin Kiemaier (CF), Jose Trevino (C), Anthony Volpe (SS) could be the Bombers projected lineup for 2024 as per The Athletic. Juan Soto is still under Padre’s control, and the latter is unwilling to part ways. However, the financial trouble could force them to trade Soto. If so happens, the Yanks are undoubtedly the favourite landing spot.
Kevin Kiemaier, on the other hand, is a free agent with the Chicago Cubs, unwilling to offer an extension contract. Kevin could be a temporary replacement for Jason Dominguez, who remains out with a UCL tear injury. He is excellent in the field and decent on the plate. Besides the outfield, the infield is unlikely to be altered. Gleyber Torres will live to see another year in the Bronx, owing to his 2023 season performance. Rizzo, Stanton, LeMahieu, and Judge remain on long-term contracts. Also, Anthony Volpe is coming off a decent rookie season and enjoys the backing of the front office. This is how the batting lineup is expected to look like, barring any last-minute surprise move orchestrated by Hal Steinbrenner.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Missing Link To Pitching Rotation!
Moving on to the pitching rotation, the New York Yankees possess multiple holes. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will serve as regulars in the near future, owing to contract status. Further, the team is expected to sign Japanese ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto this off-season. He will be posted next week, and in a 45-day window, the front office can crack a deal. So far, the Bombers have emerged as the top landing spot owing to Yamamoto’s strong inclination towards New York’s big market.
Nestor Cortes could be the next in line, given his health prevails. Cortes faced multiple setbacks this season, which hurt the Yankees deeply. He needs to come out stronger in 2024 whilst staying healthy throughout the season at the same time. For the last spot, reliever Michael King is expected to get promoted. He served in the rotation during the final stretch of the 2023 season and left a profound impact. Thus, the Yanks are mulling an imminent promotion for the relief pitcher in 2024.
