Shortstop
Didi Gregorious – 560 plate appearances, .257/.317/.379, 93 OPS+, 2.4 zWAR
Going into 2015, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Yankees shortstop situation. With all due respect to Didi Gregorious, he was and is no Derek Jeter. However, Gregorious performed well in that role, showing he was capable of being a good player for the Yankees. It looks like Didi will be the shortstop of the future for the Yankees (at least until Jorge Mateo is ready for the big time). Gregorious should get the bulk of playing time at short, but the Yankees have a few options in Castro/Refsnyder should he get injured at any point next season.
Outfield
Jacoby Ellsbury – 538 plate appearances, .269/.324/.383, 97 OPS+, 2.2 zWAR
Brett Gardner – 547 plate appearances, .256/.330/.405, 104 OPS+, 2.0 zWAR
Carlos Beltran – 450 plate appearances, .252/.311/.429, 104 OPS+, 0.3 zWAR
Aaron Hicks -498 plate appearances, .238/.313/.391, 95 OPS+, 1.8 zWAR
Slade Heathcott – 278 plate appearances, .231/.274/.350, 73 OPS+, 0.4 zWAR
In the outfield, the Yankees probably have the biggest injury concerns of all. All three of Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner missed playing time last season, and all three could do the same in 2016. However, the Yankees are in a pretty good position in terms of viable backups should any of the three starters get injured again. While Chris Young has departed, Aaron Hicks will be his replacement, which could very well be an upgrade for the Yankees. The team also has both Dustin Ackley and Slade Heathcott as potential backups, while Aaron Judge looms in the minors, nearly ready for the show.
Designated Hitter
Alex Rodriguez – 481 plate appearances, .237/.331/.449, 115 OPS+, 1.5 zWAR
Alex Rodriguez will once again fill the role of designated hitter. Should he get injured at any point in the season, Greg Bird is more than capable of filling a void if necessary. Once again depth should come in handy for the Yankees if the need arises.
