Yankee Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2018

Photo: Rich Schultz / AP

Greg Bird

After an injury plagued 2017, Bird will be looking to redeem himself this year by not only staying healthy but putting up the type of numbers the Yankees have expected from him since his call up in 2016. If no hinderances occur, The Birdman could be just the hitter the club needs to anchor its already potent lineup. 

Photo: Adam Hunger / USA Today Sports

Gary Sanchez

No other catcher in baseball hit more homers (33) than Sanchez last season, and fact that he did that while missing the first month makes it even more impressive. He did however struggle mightily in the playoffs both offensively and defensively which should serve as a great motivator for Sanchez to spring himself into the upper echelon of backstops in the MLB.

Photo: Kim Klement / USA Today Sports

Miguel Andujar

Andujar is perhaps the biggest surprise in spring training thus far. The 23-year-old is hitting a scorching .429 in 5 spring games while belting 4 homers to boot. If he continues his red-hot play, He could land himself a spot on the 25-man roster come and possibly the starting third base job come Opening Day. 

Photo: Kim Klement / USA Today Sports

Gleyber Torres

The Yankees hold Torres in high regard due to his overall talent as a hitter and infield defender. Since acquiring him from the Chicago Cubs in 2016, the team has looked to ready him for a big role in the team’s future. He was unfortunately set back after a he tore his UCL sliding into home plate in a Triple-A game last June. Now healthy, Torres will seek to pick up where he left off and climb his way in to the pinstripes in 2018

Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

Aaron Judge

What couldn’t say about the season Aaron Judge put together last year (52 HR 114 RBI). He took home Rookie of the Year honors and finished second in the AL MVP voting. Still, many felt that he could have accomplished even more had he not struggled in the second half of the year. Alongside newly acquired slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Judge could be hovering over a monster 2018 campaign that will add to his status as the premiere power hitter in all of baseball