New York Yankees defense making major difference in 2022

Don’t look now, but the New York Yankees may be back to being the Evil Empire, albeit in a way that no one could have imagined.

It was easy to disparage their offseason. The biggest move involved taking on salary so that the Twins could Carlos Correa. The Yankees roster was clearly flawed as they are lacking a viable center fielder, depth in the bullpen, and the rotation was questionable. For a team that had prided itself on its winning tradition, the Yankees were dangerously close to being considered an also-ran.

New York Yankees found hidden way to improve

Thus far, those thoughts have been proven incorrect. The Yankees won their tenth consecutive game on Monday night, not only giving them the first ten game winning streak in the majors this season, but also the best record in baseball. Somehow, the Yankees have found a way to win.

It all comes back to their defense. As Buster Olney noted, not only are the Yankees on pace to cut 32 unearned runs from their ledger compared to last season, but advanced metrics agree that the defense is greatly improved.

The first step, moving Gleyber Torres and his iron glove from short, made a great deal of sense. Isiah Kiner-Falefa may be noted for his contact skills, but he is also a Gold Glove caliber player anywhere on the infield and helped solidify the shortstop position. Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka may not be hitting, but they are a distinct upgrade with the glove behind the plate.

Those moves have mattered more than anyone could have envisioned. The Yankees have gone from allowing 4.1 runs per game last season to 2.9 runs per game thus far in 2022. There may still be a few question marks, and the Yankees could be looking to improve at the trade deadline, but their defense has been able to more than make up for any shortcomings.

The New York Yankees’ offseason appeared to be thoroughly lackluster. Nonetheless, those moves have led to an impressive beginning to 2022.