New York Yankees showcase home run potential against Tigers

Last year, the New York Yankees set a record for most home runs by a team in the regular season. Based on Sunday’s split-squad matchups, they look like they could do it again this season.

The New York Yankees gave fans a familiar sight Sunday. One of the team’s two split-squad affairs resulted in fireworks – provided by several players’ bats, that is.

New York totaled seven bombs across the 18 innings, though six of them came against Detroit. Nevertheless, it could be a sneak peak of another record-breaking effort by the Yankees.

Brett Gardner stroked a leadoff bomb of Daniel Norris. Aaron Judge then doubled the feat, smacking his first long ball of Spring Training.

Gardner provided an encore blast during his next at-bat an inning later. Gary Sanchez then cracked a homer in the third, which was followed by another blast by Judge in the fifth and finally, a pinch-hit home run by Isaiah Gilliam later on.

Meanwhile, Luke Voit offered a opposite-field home run in the team’s other game against Toronto. It was his second bomb this Spring Training as well.

It is unsurprising to see the Bronx Bombers showcase their power this early in the season. However, it may be somewhat surprising to see Gardner offering a powerful punch at the plate thus far.

The 35-year-old veteran has fewer than 100 bombs in his career, yet he’s crushed double-digit homers in four of his last five seasons. Of course, the outfielder is known much more for his speed, though that has lessened throughout the previous few years.

Anything is seemingly possible, especially with New York’s short porch in right field. But Gardner will likely have need to be an everyday player to contribute at least 20 bombs in 2019.

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However, for Judge and Sanchez, the 30-homer mark is arguably expected from both of the young stars.

Judge swatted 52 home runs in his rookie season, but he followed it up with a less-impressive 27 in 2018. Although, his numbers last year were in just 112 games. Overall, if the outfielder can remain healthy, there is no limit to what he is capable of doing at the plate.

Sanchez followed suit with Judge in not reaching the Yankees’ expectations last year. Instead, the catcher posted cringeworthy numbers on the surface, though he managed to hit nearly 20 home runs.

Analysts believe “The Kraken” is bound to have a better year in 2019, especially when it’s difficult to hit worse than .186 at the plate. But like Judge, Sanchez also needs to maintain his durability in order to surpass his power numbers last year.

The Yankees still have an opportunity to set another record for home runs. Yet, they will be without Didi Gregorius. The additions of Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu will help at the dish, but not specifically in terms of power. Although, New York will benefit greatly from a full year of Luke Voit, if he retains his starting infield spot.

What is certain is that Yankees fans will witness plenty more home runs once the regular season begins. And like last year, many players in the organization will play a role, some as a larger surprise than others.