Coming off from a disappointing ALCS last season, these seven New York Yankees players will have to prove their worth to the team.
The Yankees will seek redemption this season after losing out the World Series title to Houston Astros last year. Despite winning the Al-East division and stamping a record of 99 wins, the team fell short against the Astros. Hence, to fulfill the World Series dream, the Yanks desperately needs these under fire player to step up for the team at the right time.
DJ LeMahieu
Yankee baseman DJ LeMahieu is a highly-ranked baseman in MLB. However, his form has barely translated to full potential owing to incessant injuries. Last season, he looked in the form of his life before falling to a gruesome toe injury. Regardless, this year, DJ has come back fully healthy. While he might not have much to prove, he certainly needs to put up some good numbers to justify his contract value.
Clarke Schmidt
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New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt has been handed a golden opportunity to feature in the starting rotation this year. While he is fighting Domingo German for the spot, considering the excessive injuries, he could get in the mix. However, Clarke is struggling in spring training with an 8.10 ERA. Hence, the pitcher must step up and not let this big opportunity wash down the drain.
Aaron Hicks
It’s a now-or-never situation for Aaron Hicks. After being under constant radar, the Yankees front management has decided to land his one last opportunity to make his mark. Meanwhile, he is doing a fair job so far in spring training barring a couple of misfields. Still, he has a strong chance of making it to the starting lineup and proving his worth to the team.
Giancarlo Stanton
Yankee’s sturdy DH, Giancarlo Stanton, has been a letdown considering his record home run season. Owing to persistent injuries, his form has taken a major hit. Last season he recorded his all-time career-low numbers. Hence, the Yanks are keeping a close eye on Stanton. He could even lose his DH spot if he fails to deliver on the plate.
Clay Holmes
RHP Clay Holmes had an impressive first half of the 2022 season with 20 saves and a 2.54 ERA. However, after playing in the All-Star game, the pitcher’s health went downhill, and subsequently, his form, too, dealt a hit. He is also a player with not much to prove but just little enough to cement his position in the starting roster. Moreover, in the absence of some key throwers, Holmes’ significance increases by a huge margin.
Josh Donaldson
Josh Donaldson is right on the edge as trade rumors are rife around the MLB network. The baseman’s defense kept him afloat last season as there was radio silence on the offensive front. Moreover, he was expected to hit the trade market this off-season, but everything fell apart due to high contract value. Hence, Josh could be entering his last season in the pinstripes if his bat fails to make a case for him.
Deivi Garcia
Garcia has long been viewed as one of the top prospects in the Yankees system, but he has yet to live up to that name at the major league level. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent and has struggled with injuries. In 2023, he will be looking to prove that he belongs in the majors and can be a productive player for the Yankees.
