The New York Yankees remain one of the best teams in the American League, even though the Houston Astros are still clearly the top organization in baseball.
To try and catch up with the Astros and fend off some quality competition in the junior circuit – the Cleveland Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Seattle Mariners are all very close – the Yankees need two particular players to step up.
1. DJ LeMahieu
Despite the fact Josh Donaldson is still on the roster, that doesn’t mean he should be in the lineup.
He was a liability with the bat last year, hitting .222/.308/.374 with just 15 home runs.
He should be replaced in the lineup regardless of the money he is owed.
DJ LeMahieu is the only viable option to play third outside of Donaldson.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Oswaldo Cabrera can play third, but the former is an even worse offensive liability and the latter will be needed all around the diamond.
LeMahieu was good in 2022 (116 wRC+), but is aging and prone to injuries.
The Yankees really need him to stay in one piece and be the productive hitter he can be all year long.
2. Oswaldo Cabrera
By the look of things, Cabrera will be needed as a left fielder if the Yankees don’t want to play Hicks there.
Cabrera was an exciting rookie, with a .247/.312/.429 line and six home runs in just 44 games.
He had a 111 wRC+ and showed incredible defense and an excellent throwing arm.
He is one of the most important players on the Yankees’ 2023 roster because the team having a deep, productive lineup will largely depend on his ability to avoid a sophomore slump.
Easy. LeMahieu replaces Donaldson. Peraza replaces IKF. Full season of Cabrera. Also, Anthony Volpe likely gets called up at some point. Plus the Yankees will probably make big moves at the trading deadline (maybe Reynolds after all).
— Robert (@RobertPorubsky) January 4, 2023
If he can be the same player he was in 2022, but over an extended period, the organization will be happy.
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