Do the New York Yankees need starting pitchers for 2020? They need upgrades and help, but they don’t NEED a starter. Do the Yankees need a starting shortstop? No, but it would be smarter to resign Didi Gregorius. Do the Yankees need a center fielder for 2020?
Short Answer: Yes
Aaron Hicks is going to perpetually be on the IL the remainder of his career. He averages between 80 and 90 games a season. And now, he’s basically lost for the season. It’ll be a miracle if he can actually come back and play any games before the end of 2020 considering how slow he was coming back from a back injury. It could be a situation like Zack Wheeler, who took 2 and a half years to recover from Tommy John surgery. So you need a center fielder for the entirety of 2020. Just to be safe.
Now, do the Yankees need to pay for a center fielder?
Short Answer: No. Long Answer: No, But They Should
Mike Tauchman is on the roster and has experience playing center field. He doesn’t have much though, only 22 games. For someone who’s only been in the majors since 2017, it’s not a bad idea to bring Brett Gardner back. It would be smarter to have Gardner and Tauchman platoon in center, providing defensive days off to Judge and Stanton from time to time. Gardner’s veteran presence is invaluable, and he more than justified a one year contract based on his performance last year. So, if Hicks can come back before the end of the year, you have Gardner as the 5th outfielder on the bench.Â
And considering how much the Yankees are offering Gerrit Cole, signing Gardner isn’t going to set you back in relation to the luxury tax.
You need to better develop Tauchman as it will possibly take longer than anticipated for Estevan Florial to reach the big club. He has yet to play for the Staten Island Yankees. So for Tauchy to have Gardy’s help next season… it’s the only way you can go if you’re the New York Yankees.