Clint Frazier
Frazier is expected to assume the everyday duties in left field this season. That now means that he will be under every watching eye of both the organization and fans alike. Should he have a productive year, it will go a long way to solidifying his future as a Yankee. On the other hand, any prolonged struggles will result in stark criticism as to whether he should continue to occupy the starting role. The sky's the limit for "Red Thunder" it is up to him how high his career will fly.
Aaron Judge
After taking home Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 with record setting numbers, Judge has found himself in a bit of a career crossroads. He has spent the last three seasons dealing with injuries stints that have hampered his overall productivity. If he stays healthy, he will make all the difference for Yankees offense that is looking to make an impact this season. It will also play a big part in landing a long-term deal to stay in pinstripes for the foreseeable future.
Corey Kluber
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| Photo: Joe Nicholson USA Today Sports |
After missing the entirety of 2020 with a shoulder issue,
Kluber is looking to get back on track as a part of the Yankees rotation in
2021. He is going to deal with Skepticisms, mostly because of the unknown variables
of his previously ailing arm. However, as a former two-time Cy Young winner he
has the capability to be a top line starter that will pair nicely with Gerrit
Cole.
Luis Severino
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| Photo: Elsa/Getty Images |
Severino has not pitched since 2019 after undergoing Tommy
John surgery last February. The club is hopeful that he can round back into the
All Star form he showed in the first half of the 2019 season. That would go a
long way to ensuring the pitching staff is solidified as one of the best in the
league. He is expected to be third in the rotation which will take some of the
edge off his return but like Kluber, expect skeptics to keep a sharp eye on his
form.
Gary Sanchez
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| Photo: Nuzzio DiNuzzo/AP |
If there is anyone that needs to have an immediate impact on
the team, it's beleaguered catcher Gary Sanchez. He has woefully underperformed
both at and behind the plate for the past three seasons and in turn has worn
down the patience of management and the Yankee faithful. If he cannot get out
of this prolonged struggle, Sanchez could find himself benched for the duration
of the season and quite possibly jettisoned out of the Bronx. This is a most
important year for the 28-year-old who has spent nearly half of his life in the
Yankees organization. So, one must be certain he does not want to see it come
to an end on a disappointingly bitter note.
