The New York Yankees struggled heavily in the offense department in a season where everything went downhill. However, offensive lackluster surely pinched the Bronx Bombers the most. Besides the middle-order’s struggles, the team lacked a strong presence at the top, in the leadoff position.
Veteran infielder, DJ LeMahieu played as the New York Yankees’ leadoff hitter for most part of the abysmal 2023 season. However, with Father’s Time approaching, LeMahieu might not be the apt candidate for the crucial spot. Thus, ahead of the crucial 2024 MLB season, let’s look at three such ideal fits who could replace DJ in the leadoff spot.
Gleyber Torres
Second baseman Gleyber Torres is still a Yankee. He has survived trade scares so far and, for now, remains an active member of the 2024 season roster. Having said that, Torres delivered his career-best season in 2023 when the rest of the team kind of fell apart. He also posted his second-best walk rate of a single season to emerge as one of the top contributors to the lost 2023 season. Not only that, Torres recorded a .878 OPS in the latter half of the season, which makes him an ideal fit for the leadoff hitter in 2024. Given the infielder retains his 2023 season form into the following year, he has the potential to fulfill the leadoff role by utilizing his disciplined approach, getting on base, and kickstarting the Yankees’ offense.
Anthony Volpe
Out of all the options, Anthony Volpe in the leadoff role makes the most sense. The rookie tried his hand out as a leadoff hitter in the 2023 season. But couldn’t really match his expectations. To be fair, Volpe was just a rookie, and he did justice to his abilities. Having said that, heading into the 2024 season, the shortstop will only get better. But also, at the same time, the Yankees cannot put him in the spot from opening day itself. Volpe is still in the early stages of his major league career and should be allowed to fit into the leadoff-hitting role naturally. While Anthony Volpe has the potential to be a great leadoff hitter, the Yankees must allow him to settle and maybe put him in the spot mid-season. As far as opening day is concerned, someone like Torres would make more sense.
Aaron Judge
Yankees captain Aaron Judge is at his best with bases covered. However, with Juan Soto’s addition, the franchise has built up a strong offensive lineup. Soto can handle middle-order duties on behalf of Judge if the captain chooses to move up in the order. Aaron Judge is known to be a slugger who attacks pitchers from ball one. In 2023, the captain hit a home run on his first-ever season pitch. Judge’s ability to work deep into counts, draw walks, and set the stage for the heart of the lineup could make him a game-changer at the top. Thus, if nothing makes sense, perhaps Aaron Judge is the out-of-the-box candidate the Yankees are looking for as a leadoff.