The Solution
But everyone, Rejoice! The Yankees have enough young talent to make this franchise do a complete 180. Here is a breakdown of the current players we have that can lead this team in the near future.
- Starting Pitchers: Masahiro Tanaka, Nathan Eovaldi, Luis Severino, and Ivan Nova (4)
- Relief Pitchers: Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller (2)
- Middle Infielders: Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro (2)
- Outfielders: Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge (2)
- Corner Infield: Greg Bird
There are only three real holes that we need to fill up, one OF, one 3B, and one SP. Obviously they need some depth; however, that will come after they have made starting caliber acquisitions.
Looking pretty far ahead to the free agent class of 2018, there is a wealth of talent that the Yankees could acquire. At third base, both Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson are set to become free agents. In the outfield, one name stands out to Yankee fans and that is Bryce Harper. There has been talk of a $500 Million contract being conceived by the Yankees for him, and I really don’t doubt that.
Andrew McCutchen is also set to enter free agency, however I feel that he is a loyal guy and will probably want to stay and be a career Pirate. In the pitching category, this class may be the best ever. Clayton Kershaw, Jose Fernandez, Matt Harvey, Dallas Keuchel, Garrett Richards and Jake Arrieta are part of this exemplary class. With the Dodgers having lost their window of opportunity and with the Marlins never having one, both Kershaw and Fernandez could be players to keep an eye on.
Also, with Jake Arrieta already hinting at the fact that he will only take top dollar for his services, we all know which team is best known for giving out extremely lucrative multi year contracts. If the Yankees got any one player from each of these categories, they would instantly become a title frontrunner.
Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?
Although the promised land may currently seem far away, all that I’m saying to the rest of you Yankee fans is “Don’t fear, Cashman is here.” I have complete faith in our GM and I believe that by 2018 or 2019, the New York Yankees will be back to serious title contention again. However in the interim, I wouldn’t get my hopes up.