The New York Yankees have a ton of high profile players on the team, some of them more interactive with the community than others. The charismatic nature of their players and the high spending mentality of management often brings exciting talent to the Bronx, something Yankee fans have begun to expect throughout the team’s history.
Nonetheless, the current Yankee roster has plenty of compelling players to watch and enjoy. Youngsters often mimic their games after professionals, as I remember doing when Derek Jeter played shortstop for the Bombers.
Here’s a look at for individual New York Yankees players, and you decide which one you like the most:
1.) Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner is one of the longest-tenured Yankees on the roster, having one of his best seasons in 2019. Over 491 at-bats, Gardner posted 28 homers, 74 RBIs, and a .251 batting average. Gardner earned career highs in both home runs and RBIs last season, and the Yankees signed him to a one-year extension worth $12.5 million with a club option in 2020 that would be worth $10 million.
Gardner’s mentality and upholding of the Yankee way have been a staple for the team over the past 12 years. At 35 years old, Brett acts as a coach and player for the youngsters learning the ropes.
From his elite speed running the bases and dependability in the outfield, Gardner has always been available, and his consistency makes him one of the most loved Yankees.
2.) Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge is clearly a fan favorite, considering he has a section in the stands carved out. His behemoth stature and ability to hit home runs at a high-level make him exciting and moving. Judge often is caught interacting with young fans; whether it be throwing a baseball back and forth or signing items before games, he’s a man of the people/
Judge, though, will have to undergo the grueling process of a contract extension with a team he hasn’t been able to remain healthy with. If he can prove his consistency in the health category, the Yankees won’t be quick to let him walk, and even if he can’t, I believe they will find a way to retain him.
3.) Gleyber Torres
Torres is another player that loves to give back to the community and produces consistently. In 2019, Torres posted a .278 batting average with 38 homers and 90 RBIs. In just two seasons, he has become one of the more prominent players for the Yankees and will supplement the shortstop positions after the departure of Didi Gregorius.
Recently, mentions of an analyst suggesting the Yankees should have traded Torres for Chris Archer, who is undergoing a serious surgery have bubbled to the surface, once again indicating how essential Gleyber is to the offense and how much potential he still holds. Even if he is not one of your favorites, he ranks up there with the rest of them.
4.) DJ LeMahieuĂ‚Â
While DJ LeMahieu might not be a tenured Yankee, he had one of the more productive seasons in pinstripes last year. He posted a .327 batting average with 26 homers and 102 RBIs, both career highs. However, his ability to maneuver around the defense and adapt to different positions makes him extremely valuable. He never complains and does whatever is needed for the team, making him an easy fan favorite. He only has one year left on his contract, but I imagine the Yankees will attempt to extend him for the foreseeable future. At just 30 years old, he definitely has a few good years left in his system.