New York Yankees 2018 Season Preview
Just because the New York Yankees did not spend in free agency does not mean that they were quiet. The Bronx Bombers are back in a big way.
The Evil Empire has returned. In what was expected to be a soft rebuilding year for the New York Yankees, the franchise exceeded expectations. They ended the year with a 91-71 record, finishing two games out in the AL East and winning the Wild Card. The Yankees then went on an impressive run in the postseason, winning their series against the Indians after dropping the first two games, and pushing the eventual World Series champion Astros to seven games in the ALCS.
It was possible that, with the continued progression of the young Yankees sluggers, that they would take another step forward in 2018. However, that is not the Yankee Way. Instead, they fleeced former franchise icon Derek Jeter and the Marlins, acquiring reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton to team with Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez. The Baby Bombers have become the Bronx Bombers once again.
Understandably, the Yankees are once again considered a favorite to return to the postseason. It is easy to understand why, given the potential of the offense and their stellar bullpen. However, the Yankees still have a few holes on the roster, with questions in the lineup and in the starting rotation. There may be quite a few games where New York has to rely upon that offense to end up in the win column.
The New York Yankees have high expectations for the 2018 campaign. Can they meet those expectations, or will their holes lead to a disappointing season?
New York Yankees additions and subtractions
Key additions: Giancarlo Stanton, Brandon Drury, Neil Walker
Newcomer to watch: Giancarlo Stanton. The New York Yankees offense is going to be fun to watch, and Stanton will be a major part of why.
Healthy for the first time since 2014, Stanton proved why he is one of the premier power hitters in the game. He led the National League with 59 homers and 132 RBI, while producing a .281/.376/.631 batting line. He easily made his fourth All Star Game, and won the NL MVP and Silver Slugger awards.
Now, Stanton is going to be taking his powerful swing to Yankee Stadium. Teamed up with Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, he will give New York quite the potent middle of the lineup. Stanton will also be able to concentrate entirely upon his hitting with the Yankees, serving as the team’s primary designated hitter. While he will be hard pressed to top his excellent 2017 campaign, Stanton should have quite the impact upon the Yankees lineup.
Notable losses: Bryan Mitchell, Chase Headley, Starlin Castro, Michael Pineda, Jaime Garcia
Biggest loss: Starlin Castro. One of the more underrated players in the game, Starlin Castro will be a huge loss for the Yankees.
Castro continued his solid performance last season, making his fourth career All Star Game, and providing all around play at second. He produced a .300/.338/.454 batting line, hitting 16 homers. Defensively, Castro was not great, but he was relatively competent at second. He also provided a safety blanket at short, just in case something happened with Didi Gregorius.
Some combination of Brandon Drury, Neil Walker, and Tyler Wade will handle second this season, which may well be a step down from the production that Castro provided. The New York Yankees have quite the formidable lineup, but the underrated Castro may be missed.
Expectations for the New York Yankees in 2018
The New York Yankees have sky high expectations this season. It is understandable, as they have added one of the best players in baseball, despite shedding salary to get under the luxury tax threshold as they eye the coming free agent class of 2018.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
While that approach may pay dividends in the long term, it may be the downfall of the Yankees this year. Second and third are question marks, as is first base now that Greg Bird is injured once again. Currently, Neil Walker is listed atop the depth chart at first, leaving Tyler Wade to man second. Left and center remain question marks, especially as neither Jacoby Ellsbury nor Brett Gardner are bastions of health themselves.
There are also questions when it comes to the rotation. Luis Severino is now the staff ace, and Masahiro Tanaka and Sonny Gray are solid options in the second and third spots. But does CC Sabathia has anything left? Can Jordan Montgomery take the next step in his development?
We know two things right now about the Yankees – they are going to hammer the ball and the bullpen should be one of the best in the game. That ability to score runs by the bushel, and quickly, may be the Yankees greatest strength as we head into the 2018 campaign. Although, one has to suspect those holes will be addressed somehow over the course of the season.
Next: The Yankees against the win now teams
The New York Yankees have an impressive lineup, an excellent bullpen, and a solid farm system. Even though their eyes may be on the following year, 2018 will be a fun season to watch. Prediction: Second place in the AL East.