As Spring Training approaches, Aaron Boone finds himself equipped with the depth he desires to lead the Yankees to success, courtesy of a revamped lineup. The once glaring void in left field has been effectively addressed with the acquisitions of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. Alongside Aaron Judge, this trio is anticipated to rank among the top four hitters in MLB, offering a substantial boost to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Chris Kirschner of The Athletic has proposed five different lineups for the 2024 Yankees
Yankees Opening Day lineup (vs. Verlander)
| DJ LeMahieu | 3B |
| Juan Soto | LF |
| Aaron Judge | CF |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B |
| Alex Verdugo | RF |
| Jose Trevino | C |
| Anthony Volpe | SS |
In this lineup, there are two potential MVP candidates in Soto and Judge, and Stanton’s power continues to pose a significant threat. However, Verdugo gets the nod to start in right field in this scenario due to his superior defensive abilities compared to Soto, which is particularly advantageous in the expansive Houston ballpark during the opening series against Justin Verlander.
Yankees lineup against lefty-led rotation
| DJ LeMahieu | 3B |
| Juan Soto | LF |
| Aaron Judge | CF |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B |
| Trent Grisham | CF |
| Jose Trevino | C |
| Anthony Volpe | SS |
When facing left-handed pitchers, Grisham steps in for Verdugo because of his reverse splits and stronger performance against lefties. Stanton, despite encountering challenges overall, remains a formidable presence against left-handed pitchers, while Rizzo also excels when facing them.
Yankees lineup against righty-led rotation
| Alex Verdugo | LF |
| Juan Soto | RF |
| Aaron Judge | CF |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B |
| DJ LeMahieu | 3B |
| Austin Wells | C |
| Anthony Volpe | SS |
Last season, the Yankees ended up tied for the 26th position in wRC+ when facing right-handed pitching. This statistic placed them among the bottom performers in the league, sharing the ranking with teams like the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Colorado Rockies. It’s not the kind of standing a team aiming for a championship should find themselves in across any category.
In this lineup configuration, LeMahieu shifts down to add depth, enabling Verdugo to resume his familiar leadoff position against right-handed pitchers. Depending on Boone’s preference for the catcher, Wells might also get some starting opportunities.
Volpe leading Yankees lineup
| Anthony Volpe | SS |
| Juan Soto | RF |
| Aaron Judge | CF |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B |
| Alex Verdugo | LF |
| DJ LeMahieu | 3B |
| Jose Trevino | C |
Although Anthony Volpe possesses the attributes of an ideal leadoff hitter in the long run, his current on-base percentage (OBP) indicates the need for further development. It is imperative for him to prioritize enhancing his OBP, even if it means compromising some power, as it could significantly impact his success on the field.
Yankees lineup changes after Dominguez’s return
| Anthony Volpe | SS |
| Juan Soto | RF |
| Aaron Judge | CF |
| Jasson Domínguez | LF |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH |
| Anthony Rizzo | 1B |
| Gleyber Torres | 2B |
| DJ LeMahieu | 3B |
| Austin Wells | C |
The anticipation reaches new heights with the impending return of Jasson Domínguez from Tommy John surgery. As a potential cleanup hitter, his addition to the lineup alongside Soto, Judge, and Volpe could create a formidable top four, adding another layer of excitement to the team’s future prospects.
The key to Yankees success
While these potential lineups offer exciting prospects, the Yankees’ true challenge lies in their ability to:
Maintain Health: Injuries significantly impacted their performance in 2023, making injury prevention a top priority.
Strike a Balance Between Power and On-Base Skills: It’s essential to find the optimal blend of Stanton’s power and LeMahieu’s ability to get on base.
Foster Anthony Volpe’s Development: Transforming Volpe into a consistent leadoff hitter is critical for their long-term success.
Incorporate Jasson Domínguez: Effectively integrating Domínguez upon his return will be pivotal for the team’s success.
The Yankees possess the potential to dominate in 2024. By prioritizing health, achieving a harmonious balance, and nurturing their young talent, they can translate their potential into championship triumph.
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