The New York Yankees’ best offseason move wasn’t necessarily a specific player, but rather a specific ideology to help the younger players on the team develop properly in a potential 2019 World Series campaign.
With the infield cluttered with youth – Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, Gary Sanchez, and even Luke Voit, the Yankees needed some sort of veteran leadership to help mesh the unit and provide them with the support they need to make a serious playoff run.
The best offseason acquisitions for the New York Yankees:
Signing both Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu have given the Bombers more than just five Gold Gloves, but also immense experience in the infield and veteran leadership. Both will play essential roles in helping Andujar and Torres further refine their games, especially after the two committed 32 total errors in 2018.
Tulo will provide value at shortstop with Didi Gregorius healing from Tommy John surgery, and LeMahieu will help Andujar at third and Torres at second-base if he needs to slide over to short at some point.
“We’re committed to having DJ be the guy that bounces around because I envision Gleyber (Torres), even if (Troy Tulowitzki) is healthy, Gleyber is still gonna get his fair share of looks at shortstop,â€Â Boone told the New York Post.
With Tulo’s age, it’s expected that he will need rest as the season progresses, which is where Torres will fit in and LeMahieu will show his value in the infield.
Miguel Andujar could also be moved around:
With Andujar struggling at third last season (15 errors), I wouldn’t be surprised to see him earn a few reps at first base. Manager Aaron Boone stated that he would receive some work there in the Grapefruit League this spring – he’s the only non-catcher to earn reps at first.
This shouldn’t indicate any big-deal for Manny Machado, but it might unearth the potential for DJ to see some time on the corner. His defensive abilities are far more seasoned, and his hitting is also consistent, despite the Coors Field worries. The Yankees have the man-power to move the infield around and try different combinations until they find one they can settle on.
I would expect Andujar to remain at third, with Torres and Tulo rotating at shortstop. LeMahieu will fill in at second while Torres is at SS, and Luke Voit will likely be the starter at first for a majority of the season barring injury.
General manager Brian Cashman has put together a solid rotation with the support to help the Yankees withstand injuries.