NFL
By: Billy Lewis
There was a time when the 2022 MLB season was in peril. The season was supposed to begin on March 31, but thanks to the lockout it has been delayed until April 7. In six months the New York Yankees are not going to remember that the season was delayed by a week, but hopefully instead will be in the midst of a long playoff run.
New York Yankees Running It Back
There was a lot of anticipation heading into this offseason. The three big-name free agent shortstops, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trevor Stoy were all on the open market. Though rumored to be interested in all three at points, the Yankees decided to pass on all three. Seager was the first to sign, going to the Texas Rangers on December 1.
The Yankees’ biggest move of the offseason was a trade with the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees traded the much-maligned Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt. The trade should strengthen the Bombers at third and short. It also opens the door for Kyle Higashioka to become the everyday starting catcher.
In turn that trade opened the door for the Twins to sign Correa. Correa went to Minnesota on a three-year deal, but with a player option after each season. While that keeps Correa out of the division, Trevor Story decided to sign with the Red Sox.
After last season’s Wild Card loss to the Red Sox, many thought the Yankees would make a big splash for a shortstop. Instead the Yankees are keeping the path open for two of their best young prospects, Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. Neither are ready for the Bronx just yet, but with a good 2022 season, might be on the fast track to the big club.
Volpe and Peraza rank one and two respectively on the Yankees prospect list. According to the prospect report, Peraza’s estimated big league arrival is indeed 2022 while Volpe’s is 2023. While possible to have both in the Bronx by the end of the season, the hope would be they are there as nonrostered players watching a playoff run, much like Derek Jeter in 1995.
New York Yankees Need Bounce Back 2022
Last season the Yankees had an underwhelming year despite winning 92 games. They had their eyes set on the World Series last season, but only had a one game trip in the postseason. When thinking of players that need a bounce back 2022, Gleyber Torres is the first that comes to mind. After two straight all-star seasons to start his career in 2018 and 2019, Torres had a putrid 2020 and poor 2021.
Torres was penciled in as the Yankees shortstop last season. He struggled mightily all season before eventually being moved back to second base towards the end of the season. Torres will be back at second base in 2022 and will hope to regain his all-star form.
Another Yankee looking to rebound is DJ LeMahieu. LeMahieu had a great first two seasons in the Bronx, including winning the batting title in 2020 and two top 5 MVP finishes. Last season LeMahieu only hit .268 and his OPS was down to .711, from 1.011 in 2020. LeMahieu did have surgery after the season, hopefully being healthy coming into 2022 can make the difference.
Two other Yankees looking for a healthy 2022 would be Aaron Hicks and Luis Severino. Hicks looks to be cycled in the outfield along with Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Giancarlo Stanton. Severino will be looking to be the 1b to Gerrit Cole’s 1a. If Severino can remain healthy and get back to his ace form, the Yankees would have a scary one-two punch at the top of their rotation.
Potential New York Yankees Lineup
- DJ LeMahieu 2B
- Aaron Judge CF
- Anthony Rizzo 1B
- Giancarlo Stanton LF
- Joey Gallo RF
- Josh Donaldson 3B
- Gleyber Torres DH
- Kiner-Falefa SS
- Kyle Higashioka C
Rotation
- Gerrit Cole
- Luis Severino
- Jameson Taillon
- Jordan Montgomery
- Nestor Cortes Jr
On paper, the Yankees have a dangerous team. The biggest question for the season would be staying healthy all season. Despite the Red Sox signing of Story I still believe the Yankees are the better team. Add in the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays and the AL East should be a dog fight all summer.
Prediction:
94-68, 2nd place in AL East, (1st Wild Card)
Gerrit Cole- AL Cy Young, Jameson Taillon- Top 5 Cy Young finish
Loss in ALCS
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