The Yankees have one underrated stud on the roster they need to start trusting

The New York Yankees have to make a few difficult decisions with the regular season starting in just eight days. Facing off against the Washington Nationals on July 23, they will pose a significant threat to the start of a condensed 60-game season. Supplementing the loss of DJ LeMahieu will be incredibly problematic. He is considered one of the Yankees’ best hitters and arguably the squad’s best defensive infielders.

The Yankees have been testing both Tyler Wade and Thairo Estrada at second base to see how they react to competition. While Wade continues to dominate on the base paths, Estrada has been excelled in every other facet. I believe Wade will make the active roster based on his usability and lightning-quick speed (especially in an extra-innings scenario).

However, the 24-year-old prospect from Venezuela has been a bright light during summer camp intrasquad play. This past spring, he played 11 games, totaling 33 innings and racking up five RBIs in the process.

Estrada hasn’t had an easy time climbing to the top of the totem pole with the Yankees. He was shot in the hip at 21 years old while in Venezuela. Luckily, he survived with minimal complications but is still battling through the physical toll of such an event. His recovery in 2019 was a promising sight, as he placed himself in the hearts of fans with his performance. During the Yankees’ first 60 games last year, Estrada had the second-highest slugging percentage at .565 and 50 plate appearances.

The Yankees are seeing what Estrada is capable of

So far this summer camp, he has hit three home runs and is establishing himself as a primary option to replace LeMahieu in the short term. In fact, he could land himself an active roster spot to supplement shortstop and second base. Last year over 17 games at second base, he was a perfect fielder, surrendering zero errors and turning six double plays.

Estrada continues to impress management with his performance, and he is likely the most undervalued player on the roster and deserves a chance to show off what he can do.