What might the Yankees’ lineup look like on Opening Day?

Is it too early to talk about what the Yankees’ lineup might look like next season? Maybe so, but it’s worth discussing what these Bronx Bombers might look like entering the 2023 season.

You cannot talk about anything related to the Yankees if we do not take into account that their main name in 2022 has not yet signed a contract with the team and the possibility that they will not appear on the roster in the next contest, although many will be provoked nightmares, it exists and that’s why we have to make this ninth based on the story with a happy ending, where Aaron Judge stays in the Bronx.

I’m going to leave my lineup right away and in the rest of this column, we’re going to analyze it name by name, with everything that each one can contribute.

Let’s put DJ back first please. I don’t think it was a good idea with Judge as bowman. During the 2022 season, the “King of home runs” in the American League, he came to hit 129 times leading off an inning, that means that, in each of them, he did not find anyone in circulation. Impossible. LeMahieu is a stellar hitter for the opposite field, is a disciplined slugger and hits the bases frequently. He is the ideal in that order.

The most religious who read us, light the candles in this case: Aaron Judge has to continue being a Yankee. It is the wish of almost 100% of the Bombers fans. Beyond 62 home runs and MVP, there is no better player, perhaps competitor, and leader who can fill the shoes of the “Judge.” Not only Judge could be named the next Yankees captain if they sign a deal, but the face of Major League Baseball, they have in this 6-foot-7 behemoth.

The Rizzo’s return He is a true happiness within the team. Not only has he won the hearts of fans since he arrived in 2021, but in free agency and throughout the Yankees organization, there isn’t a better first baseman than Anthony Rizzo or who can bring more to the team. Being behind Judge in the lineup gives him the chance to see even better pitching and because of how much he reaches the bases, it always puts a special situation on the fourth hitter who follows him.

In this case, that turn is for the powerful Giancarlo Stanton. At times in the season many get desperate with the issue of strikeouts, but as long as he is healthy, this hitter produces consistently in terms of home runs and RBIs.

Sorry Sailors, but Gleyber Torres must continue with the Yankees in 2023. We have not yet seen the best of the Venezuelan and despite ups and downs, the offensive production of the Caracas-born put him among the best five second basemen in almost all offensive categories in 2022. Gleyber as fifth can be give a feast, facing productive players like DJ Judge, Rizzo and Stanton.

Let Benintendi return! There isn’t a better option in left field than this player. The Bombers should make their number two priority behind signing Judge. A fine hitter, left-handed as well, useful player and good defender of the prairies.

Harrison Bader was an elixir of hope for the Yankees. When everything was going bad with Aaron Hicks and center field was a problem, the Bombers pulled the trigger and decided to trade one of their best pitchers, Jordan Montgomery, for this center fielder who ended up being one of the top performers of the postseason. . There is no doubt that we will see Bader in the lineup and that he will be the best the Yankees will have in their ranks by 2023.

As I told you in this previous column, Oswaldo will end up playing more than Falefa. An excellent arm, a better bat than Isiah and also with a promising future. This youngster who is ranked as the second best prospect on the team needs playing time and the Yankees need to insert him into their ninth very often.

Talking about José Treviño is something that should be done with reverence. The best defensive catcher in all of Major League Baseball in 2022. This was certified by his platinum glove, the first to win a Yankee mask. As a hitter, he wasn’t bad at all last season and this season, within a team with a lot of power and heavy names, the Corpus Christie native may improve his numbers and earn a trip to the All-Star Game again.

It doesn’t matter what the nine players that line up each day for the Bombers may be, if the ultimate goal of winning the World Series is not achieved. The sense of urgency and commitment has to be seen from day one. Yankee fans are hungry and impatient to win and this is something management has to figure out at any cost.