The New York Yankees are awaiting a World Series title since 2009. Last season they missed out on ALCS after getting knocked out by Houston Astros. However, this season the Yanks came out all guns blazing in the off-season and build a solid offense. The franchise acquired Carlos Rodon and retained Aaron Judge in two massive contracts. The trade window is still open but we expect no more big sign-ins for the Bronx Bombers.
Ahead of the spring training, let’s have a look at a probable 26-man roster of the Yankees for the 2023 season.
Position Players
Anthony Rizzo 1B, DJ LeMahieu 2B, Oswald Peraza SS, Josh Donaldson 3B, Aaron Hicks LF, Harrison Bader CF, Aaron Judge RF, Jose Trevino C, Giancarlo Stanton DH
The position players are set in the roster. Rizzo will carry one with his baseman duties at the start. However, DJ’s presence is subject to fitness. Aaron Hicks is to start at the left field as the Yanks failed to acquire a designated one in the off-season. Hence, Hicks will continue for now. Moreover, the captain, Aaron Judge will handle the right field. Josh could be a brave call at third base but the Yankees are out of options there.
Yankees Starting Pitching Rotation
Gerrit Cole RHP, Carlos Rodon LHP, Nestor Cortes LHP, Luis Severino RHP, Domingo German/Clarke Schmidt RHP
The Yankees have built a good offense for the 2023 MLB season. Gerrit as usual led the pitching rotation. To share his workload, left-hand pitcher, Carlos Rodon, will start behind him. Nestor and Luis will follow Rodon in the 3rd and 4th positions respectively. However, in a major jolt, Frankie Montas will miss the initial month of the season owing to an injured shoulder. Hence one among Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt will fill in his place.
Yankees Bullpen
Jonathan Loaisiga RHP, Clay Holmes RHP, Wandy Peralta LHP, Ron Marinaccio RHP, Lou Trivino RHP, Greg Weissert RHP, Tommy Kahnle RHP, Michael King RHP
The Yanks did not alter the bullpen much as most of the faces are the same from last season. A few new relievers were expected to sign in. However, the Yankees decided against it and kept the bullpen intact. King’s participation is doubtful as his elbow injury has not healed yet. Another name, Scott Effross, will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery.
Yankees Bench
Kyle Higashioka C, Oswaldo Cabrera OF, Isiah Kiner-Falefa INF
Kyle, Cabrera, and IKF will be the three backups sitting on the bench. IKF can play at the second as well as the third base. Further, Oswaldo is a replacement for Hicks in the left field. Estevan Florial is yet another option the Yankees can consider in the outfield.
The roster certainly looks strong on paper and carries the capability to challenge the World Series Title. However, the Yankees need to sort out the injury concerns before heading out in the 2023 MLB season.
