With Spring Training looming, here are stat predictions for the 2016 New York Yankees as they look to reestablish themselves as a World Series contender.
By Jamie Martin
There is no question that the team has the ability to become a contender, but with aging stars and a few rotation question marks it is difficult to predict where they will stand next September.
Though the roster is not set in stone, here are stat predictions for the 2016 Yankees squad.
Infield
C- Brian McCann: McCann had a strong 2015 season but his average dipped slightly and he struggled to make an impact late in the season. As his age progresses, expect to see a decrease in his numbers.
GP: 129, AVG: .229, HR: 24, RBI: 91
1B- Mark Teixeira: The 35 year old was back to his old self last season prior to injury struggles and will hope to stay healthy throughout a whole season for the first time in a few years.
GP: 121, AVG: .243, HR: 28, RBI: 84
2B/SS- Starlin Castro: A newcomer from the Cubs, Castro will look to impress in his first season as a Yankee. Expect him to adjust well to second base and New York City.
GP: 143, AVG: .266, HR: 12, RBI: 71
SS- Didi Gregorius: The young shortstop proved to be a valuable pickup for the Yankees in 2015 and will look to build on his past success.
GP: 152, AVG: .270, HR: 11, RBI: 59
3B- Chase Headley: The 8 year veteran had a solid season for the Yankees in 2015 but will hope to increase his power numbers in the upcoming season. Expect a dip in average and only slightly stronger power numbers from Headley in 2016.
GP: 150, AVG: .247, HR: 14, RBI: 56
3B/1B/DH- Alex Rodriguez: Surprised everyone with his comeback in 2015 and became a huge player for the Yankees with a greatly improved attitude. The 40 year old will likely fail to replicate last season’s numbers but will still be a very important member of the team.
GP: 141, AVG: .238, HR: 23, RBI: 75
Outfield
LF- Brett Gardner: Started off hot and began to fade as the season continued but overall had a decent 2015. At age 32, and with the addition of Aaron Hicks, Gardner should benefit from more opportunities for rest.
GP: 143, AVG: .270, HR: 12, RBI: 64
CF- Jacoby Ellsbury: Like Gardner, Ellsbury started off hot and had difficulties towards the end of the season mainly due to injury problems. Expect Ellsbury to have a very strong 2016 season as he looks to prove his doubters wrong.
GP: 155, AVG: .275, HR: 15, RBI: 78
RF- Carlos Beltran: The aging star had a productive second year with the Yankees and came up clutch in multiple different games down the stretch. With Hicks now in contention for a starting role, Beltran could see more time at DH and receive well needed rest in the latter part of the season.
GP: 125, AVG: .261, HR: 17, RBI: 60
Fourth Outfielder- Aaron Hicks: Acquired from the Twins for backup catcher JR Murphy, Hicks will look to impress in his first season in New York. The 26 year old will likely start off as a reserve but should see plenty of game time.
GP: 110, AVG: .263, HR: 13, RBI: 47
Starting Rotation
1) Masahiro Tanaka: Entering his third season in the MLB, Tanaka will look to become a more dominant pitcher for the Yankees. He will always be an injury risk but should have a relatively healthy 2016.
GS: 27, W-L: 17-8, ERA: 2.61
2) Michael Pineda: The 27 year old is dominant at times but often struggles for length and consistency. Expect him to have a better season in 2016.
GS: 29, W-L: 14-9, ERA: 3.82
3) CC Sabathia: Though it is questionable whether he will be ready to go come the start of the regular season, Sabathia will return to the Yankees following a recent bout with Alcohol addiction. As he nears the end of his career, the 35 year old will continue to struggle in 2016.
GS: 25, W-L: 8-11, ERA: 4.63
4) Luis Severino: The young Dominican emerged towards the end of last season and will likely earn a place in the 2016 rotation. He is one of the Yankees most coveted prospects and should return the faith of the front office in the near future.
GS: 27, W-L: 15-10, ERA: 3.09
5) Nathan Eovaldi: Established himself as a valuable member of the Yankees rotation in his first season with the club but will look to improve in 2016. Often gives up too many hits and like Pineda, struggles for consistency.
GS: 31, W-L: 13-11, ERA: 4.03
Bullpen
Dellin Betances: The Bronx native has become one of the best relievers in the MLB and should continue his impressive form in 2016. Will likely serve as the set-up man to either Miller or Chapman.
GP: 70, W-L: 7-3, ERA: 1.43, SV: 5
Andrew Miller: Had a dominant first season with the Yankees and despite trade rumors, appears to be staying in New York for 2016. Is also one of the best relievers in the league and should have an even better season with Chapman behind him. Could serve as a closer or late inning reliever depending on the situation.
GP: 67, W-L: 4-3, ERA: 1.85, SV: 15
Aroldis Chapman: The newly acquired Cuban flamethrower is potentially the most dangerous reliever in the MLB. Getting him was a bold move by the Yankees and one that has pleased many fans. Chapman will make late innings at Yankee Stadium very exciting but it remains to be seen whether he will serve a suspension for domestic abuse.
Prediction: Suspended for 50 games
GP: 51, W-L: 2-2, ERA: 1.54, SV: 19
Chasen Shreve: GP: 62, W-L: 5-2, ERA: 2.93
Bryan Mitchell: GP: 50, W-L: 4-5, ERA: 4.27
Ivan Nova– May serve as a starter or could get traded prior to the beginning of the season.
GP: 43, W-L: 7-9, ERA: 4.40
Jacob Lindgren– Should be healthy for 2016. His status with the major league club will likely be dependent on Champman’s potential suspension.
GP: 31, W-L: 3-2, ERA: 3.78
Bench
C- Austin Romine– GP: 26, AVG: 221, HR: 3, RBI: 12
OF/1B/2B Dustin Ackley– GP: 75, AVG: .250, HR: 12, RBI: 36
1B/DH- Greg Bird: Could possibly spend much of the season in the minors but also could be a vital member of the club depending on the health of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez.
GP: 54, AVG: .266, HR: 13, RBI: 35
IF- Rob Refsnyder: Brian Cashman believes that the Yankees will likely rotate the 25th spot on the roster which means that Refsnyder could see significant time in the big leagues. Could possibly end up serving as a replacement for Brendan Ryan.
GP: 36, AVG: .284, HR: 5, RBI: 16