The Yankees added to a strong minor league system late last July when they dealt Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs and Andrew Miller to the Indians. However, like all players without a major league track record, the prospects are nothing more than prospects. And there isn’t a more correct adage in sports than this: Prospects get GMs, managers and coaches fired.
Even without any of the prospects in those deals expected to reach The Bronx this coming season, the Yankees are leaning heavily on youth and believing they can contend in the AL East. However, marrying youth and contending is tricky.
Best position battle
Right field is Aaron Judge’s going into camp. But if Judge struggles this spring, Aaron Hicks could be the beneficiary. It also might open the door for Tyler Austin — who at this point is a long shot.
Most intriguing minor leaguer
Gleyber Torres likely won’t reach The Bronx because he hasn’t played above Single-A yet. However, if the Yankees are wrong about the 20-year-old shortstop, so is every other team.
Story to watch develop
Who from the group of Luis Severino, Adam Warren, Luis Cessa, Chad Green and Bryan Mitchell will snag the two open rotation spots?
Manager’s toughest challenge
Joe Girardi has to balance what he sees from Severino’s pitching from results. Severino is a big key to the Yankees building while attempting to contend.
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Most interesting newcomer
Aroldis Chapman’s return via a five-year, $86 million deal technically makes him new to this bunch. Will the security and money affect the way he pitches? And how long can the left arm unleash 105 mph fastballs and fierce sliders?
Most notable absence
Though they didn’t produce much, Alex Rodriguez (released) and Mark Teixeira (retired), big pieces from the last World Series title team in 2009, are gone. Rodriguez is a $21 million consultant.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes an issue
If Torres shines, the clamoring for him to start the season in the big leagues will begin, even though it won’t happen.
Biggest comeback
Hicks can’t be as bad as he was last season. And if Aaron Judge needs more time at Triple-A, then Hicks becomes a bigger piece than he was as a fourth outfielder a year ago, when the switch-hitter was dreadful.
Could surprise and make the team
Chance Adams is a long shot because he hasn’t pitched above Double-A, but his combined numbers at Trenton and Single-A Tampa last season — 13-1 with a .233 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) and 144 strikeouts in 127 ¹/₃ innings — and being 22 give him shot to crack the rotation.
Depth Chart
Yankees first baseman Greg BirdN.Y. Post: Charles WenzelbergFirst base:Greg Bird, Chris Carter, Rob Refsnyder, Matt Holliday, Tyler Austin
Second base:Starlin Castro, Ronald Torreyes, Rob Refsnyder, Ruben Tejada, Jorge Mateo
Shortstop:Didi Gregorius, Ronald Torreyes, Ruben Tejada, Jorge Mateo, Tyler Wade, Gleyber Torres
Third base:Chase Headley, Ronald Torreyes, Miguel Andujar
Left field:Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Mason Williams, Clint Frazier
Center field:Jacoby Ellsbury, Aaron Hicks, Mason Williams, Tyler Wade. Dustin Fowler, Clint Frazier
Right field:Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Tyler Austin, Tyler Wade
Catcher:Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, Kyle Higashioka
Designated hitter:Matt Holliday, Chris Carter
