With the addition of star pitcher Gerrit Cole to the New York Yankees’ starting team, Opening Day is looking to be one of the more exciting events of 2020. The offseason is still in flux, meaning general manager Brian Cashman could pursue other free agents or trade options (Josh Hader). Yet, for the most part, the team has the necessary talent to make a run at the World Series next season.
The Opening Day batting order can be predicted unless the Yankees trade Miguel Andujar and bring in another slugger to fill the designated hitter spot, but I believe they are hoping to use the third baseman in that role.
Here’s what the New York Yankees’ Opening Day starting team might look like:
1.) DJ LeMahieuĂ‚Â
The Yankees will once again activate LeMahieu in the leadoff spot, as he hit .327 with 26 homers and 102 RBIs over 145 games. His high OBS (.375) is perfect ahead of the Yankees’ top sluggers.
2.) Aaron Judge
Judge missed a significant portion of 2019 with various injuries, but when healthy, he’s one of the Yankees’ top players and hitters. LeMahieu and Judge combined for 52 homers last season, and we should expect that number to increase moving forward.
3.) Gleyber Torres
Usually, Torres slots in after the cleanup spot, but he will likely make the jump to third, hitting .278 with 37 homers in 2019. He’s a reliable hitter that will force opposing pitchers into tricky situations.
4.) Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton will once again slide into the 4-spot. He missed virtually all of 2019 and needs a bounce-back season. During the 2017-18 seasons, he smashed 97 homers, and if he can return to form, Stanton could take the Yankees’ offense to another level.
5.) Miguel Andujar
Andujar is recovering from a torn Labrum in 2019, but he will be inserted into the designated hitter spot, especially with Gio Urshela handling the hot corner. Miggy smacked 27 homers and logged 92 RBIs in his rookie campaign, making him a clear bounce-back candidate.
6.) Gary Sanchez
Sanchez, who had one of the worst postseason hitting performances in history last year, was dealing with a groin ailment for the latter portion of the season. When healthy, he’s one of the best catchers in baseball, and the Yankees aren’t going to give up on his potential yet. He’s a solid 6-spot hitter who holds plenty of slugging power to turn a game on its head.
7.) Luke Voit
Another slugger, what a surprise. Voit is another fantastic hitter when healthy, and he has only just found his potential since joining the Yankees in 2018. His .263 BA and 21 homers in 2019 only scratches the surface of his quality at the plate.
8.) Gio Urshela
Hitting .314 last season, Urshela was a wonder for the Bombers, who desperately needed to replace Andujar’s offensive production after suffering a torn Labrum. Urshela will slide into the third base position permanently, and hopefully, his offensive efficiency can be maintained.
9.) Brett Gardner
Gardner has career-highs in home runs (28) and RBIs (72) last season, earning himself another extension with the only team he’s ever played for. Gardner’s ability to work the count and rack up pitch totals for pitchers is perfect in the 9-hole. He will set LeMahieu up perfectly to take advantage of weary arms.
Starting pitcher: Gerrit Cole
The Yankees signed Cole to a nine-year, $324 million deal. The former Astro brings a unique skill-set to the Bronx and is coming off one of his best seasons to date. His 6.8 WAR and 2.50 ERA don’t even begin to break down his analytical dominance. The Yankees now have the best pitcher in baseball to help them achieve their World Series dreams.