NFL
By: Billy Lewis:
While many of us who live in the northeast are still dealing with snow, the New York Yankees are getting set for their 2024 Spring Training games! Their first game will be Saturday against the Detroit Tigers. Those who are excited to watch the Yankees will get that chance Sunday on YES against the Blue Jays.
The Yankees made one of the biggest trades of the offseason by acquiring Juan Soto. Soto is one of the premiere young stars in MLB and will be looking to have a great season as he is an upcoming free agent. Of course, he’ll be paired with Aaron Judge and make the Yankees must-watch TV.
The Yankees also signed pitcher Marcus Stroman who will help solidify the starting rotation. The rotation has some question marks behind reigning Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole. We’ll have a chance to get our first look at the Bombers as the calendar turns to March.
New York Yankees Roster Questions
While the excitement for Spring Training is in the air, the Yankees still have quite a few questions to answer. The starting rotation after Cole should look like Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are still out there as free-agent options. Could they make another big splash in signing Snell or reuniting with Montgomery? Only time will tell.
The lineup also has its fair share of question marks. However, the answer here feels a little easier as it comes down to health. The Yankees could go with a top three of DJ LeMahieu, Soto, and Judge. On paper that should be a solid top three, but LeMahieu has dealt with a few injuries the last couple of seasons.
Other notable players that have battled injuries include Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo was on fire at the beginning of last season but dealt with a concussion in late May which absolutely hampered the rest of his season.
Stanton has dealt with injuries almost every season since joining the Yankees. Since playing 158 games his first in pinstripes, he has only played over 120 games once (139 in 2021). Looking to remedy these health concerns, Stanton has slimmed down coming into 2024.
The Yankees should have a good 2024, and if…while a big if…they can stay healthy, can give the fans in the Bronx a special summer.
