Whether it’s called a “rebuild”, “reload”, or “restock”, one thing is for certain in the Yankees’ clubhouse – the future is now brighter.
After formally becoming sellers at this season’s non-waiver trade deadline for the first time since 1989, general manager Brian Cashman elected to drastically shift the franchise’s position, with the intentions of establishing a young foundation of talent, a formula that could lead to decades of success.
But when would it begin? How soon would the crop of prospects emerge, and who would be the next centerpiece of the franchise? If Cashman’s plan comes to fruition, perhaps 2019 is the year that all is revealed.
On Monday afternoon, Yahoo Sports columnist Jeff Passan tweeted out a potential Yankees lineup for the 2019 campaign, which includes a decent share of homegrown names, and a handful of superstar free agents that will make up one of the greatest free agent markets in baseball history.
2019 Yankees?
Sanchez 2
Bird 3
Mateo 4
Machado 5
Torres 6
Ellsbury 7
Frazier 8
Harper 9
Judge DHSP: Fernandez, Tanaka, Sheff, Kap, Tate
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2016
Passan predicts that the average age of this Yankees lineup and rotation will be 24, run by five of New York’s seven Top-100 prospects: outfielder Clint Frazier, infielders Gleyber Torres and Jorge Mateo, and pitchers Justus Sheffield and James Kaprielian. While those names aren’t expected to arrive for a few more seasons, the youth movement is already underway with three other names: first baseman Greg Bird, catcher Gary Sanchez, and outfielder Aaron Judge, a trio that will be in the Bronx come September.
But don’t forget about the big ticket items of Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Jose Fernandez, who will be eligible for free agency in the winter of 2018.
As money gradually comes off the books on veteran players within the next two seasons, the checkbook will be in full force sooner than later, and with a potential combination of All-Stars and future stars, it could make waiting for 2019 all worthwhile.
