A reoccurring concern in recent years, the Yankees again made an early exit to postseason in 2021. A 92-70 season placed them third in the AL East. Following the additions of Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, New York had high expectations. However, the Boston Red Sox were too hot to handle. The Yankees came up short, and their World Series hopes were obliterated. The Bronx Bombers now seek vengeance and anticipate contending in the overpowered AL East.
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Additions
With the back end of the pitching rotation ruptured, the Yankees sought to find some help. However, pre and post-lockout, the Yankees lost out on all of the big arms, leaving them in search of middle-class muscle for the lineup. New York did make some offensive additions which seem to be upgrades. In a blockbuster agreement with the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees acquired veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson in addition to Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt.
Josh Donaldson, 3B
In a deal that sent Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela to the Twins, the Yankees received some compensation which consists of the two-time silver slugger. While Urshela handles the hot corner in a superior way, Donaldson has massive power which will be a great addition to top off the overpowering lineup. After whacking 26 homers in 2021, Donaldson hopes to replicate that performance. While he did post a dreadful .247 batting average, the one-time MVP still has some fight in his game and is looking to improve.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS
Included in this blockbuster was Gold Glover Kiner-Falefa. After slashing .271/.312/.357 in 2021, the 27-year-old has refined his skills in the box since being drafted in 2013. While lacking in power, Kiner-Falefa brings a ton to the table. With his speed paired and ability to get on base, the shortstop knocked 172 hits in 2021. Pertaining to his defensive attributes, the shortstop has seen improvement, ultimately forging a well-grounded glove.
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Two years/$32 million
A member of the elite first baseman’s club, Rizzo has decided to return to the Yankees. Netting $32 million over the span of two seasons, Rizzo is worth every penny of his contract. After the cleanse of Luke Voit, the Yankees now depend on Rizzo to stay healthy and bring his A game when on the diamond. Hitting .248 paired with 22 home runs in 2021, Rizzo has a ton of power on top of his fielding. A four-time Gold Glover, the 32-year-old can cover a ton of ground at first base.
Subtractions
Corey Kluber, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
While confronted with injuries throughout the 2021 season, when healthy, Kluber was a menace on the mound. A 3.83 ERA along with a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers, Kluber proved that age is just a number. The 35-year-old signed a one year, $8 million dollar deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Nevertheless, the Yankees passed up on an elite arm and now search for an alternative. Whether a package deal for Sean Manaea or settling for a middle-class arm, the Yankees must take action before time runs out.
Gio Urshela, 3B, Minnesota Twins
A stud for the Yankees over the past few years, Urshela is now a Minnesota Twin. At the plate and at the hot corner, the 30-year-old makes an instant impact wherever he goes. In his phase with the Yankees, Urshela maintained a .292 average along with 41 home runs. Defensively, Urshela has unlimited range on top of his slick hands. The Yankees moved on from him in the same package deal which sent Sanchez to the Twins.
Luke Voit, 1B, San Diego Padres
With just 213 at-bats in 2021, Voit was dealing with an injury for the bulk of the season. In the COVID-shortened Voit led the league in home runs and put on a show. He smacked 22 home runs on a .277 average, conveying all the power bottled in him. New York recently traded away the first baseman to the San Diego Padres. In exchange, the Yankees acquired prospect Justin Lange.
2022 Outlook
A team full of energy and muscle, the Yankees have much to aspire to. However, the current AL East consists of several competing teams that could alternate the New York’s plans to win a World Series, from the Red Sox and Rays to the Toronto Blue Jays. Although, while those three teams are full of talent, the Yankees’ current lineup speaks for itself. Offensively, the Yankees are a home run machine. From Aaron Judge to Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo, the Yankees won’t have a problem conveying their power.
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Regarding the pitching staff, it’s a mostly unassertive rotation, ushered by four-time All-Star Gerrit Cole. Following Cole, Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery represent the two-three punch of the rotation. To top it all off, Jameson Taillon and Nestor Cortes Jr. occupy the fourth and fifth slots. Nevertheless, this five-man rotation is full of the unknown and at times can be disappointing. However, after exchanging conversations with the Oakland A’s, the Yankees should continue their pursuit of Manaea and Frankie Montas. Each starter brings extreme firepower and can upgrade the New York rotation to the next level.
Prediction: 95-67
Aside from the overpowering division, the Yankees gaze at another winning season. While the recent playoff experience has not prospered, the Bombers aspire to rebound from that blemish. Whether conquering the AL East or obtaining at least a Wild Card spot, the Yankees are due for a postseason run. Conducted by manager Aaron Boone, New York hopes to see their 28th World Series victory.
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