20. Gary Sanchez, Catcher, New York Yankees

Did anyone have as immediate an impact in Major League Baseball as Gary Sanchez? The tear Sanchez went on in September was legendary — in 53 games, he racked up a .299 average, with 20 home runs, 42 RBI’s, 34 runs scored and a .657 slugging percentage. Those are video game stats for a kid in his first real stint in the major leagues.

Not only did Sanchez thrust himself into the conversation for American League Rookie of the Year, but he also established himself as the number one catcher in the Bronx, forcing out veteran Brian McCann. If Sanchez can continue to put up monster offensive numbers, he has the talent to force himself into the top five of this list in a year. The sky is the limit for the face of the Baby Bomber generation.

19. Aroldis Chapman, Relief Pitcher, New York Yankees

After a half year rental (and a World Series ring) with the Chicago Cubs, fireball hurler Aroldis Chapman is back in the Bronx, after inking a five-year deal this winter.

Chapman, who is known for his ferocious fastballs and towering physique, had a 1.55 ERA between New York and Chicago last season, including 90 strikeouts and a .982 WHIP. Chapman’s return to the Bronx not only solidifies the Yankee bullpen, but it also allows the teams best receiver (and arguably best player) to move into the role he is most comfortable with. While Andrew Miller is not back, Betances and Chapman create a fearsome back end of the bullpen in the Bronx.

18. Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants

It was, undoubtedly, a rough season for Eli Manning. A poor running game and a leaky offensive line didn’t help his cause, but the former first overall pick did not play to his normal standards in 2016, throwing 16 picks, and often times looking flat on offense. The Giants entire offensive unit was quite underwhelming this season, and Eli was no exception — his stats are a big inflated by all of the YAC that Odell Beckham Jr. racked up on his long touchdowns this season.

Eli is still an above average NFL quarterback and a two-time Super Bowl MVP. However, at 36 years old, it’s clear that his days in New York are numbered, but for now, his durability and pedigree make him a lock for a top 25 spot. If the Giants can actually protect him and provide balance on offense (and if his wide receivers won’t drop touchdowns in the postseason) Eli should catapult back up this list. People like to forget that in the first two seasons with Ben McAdoo as offensive coordinator, Eli threw for over 4,400 yards, 30 touchdowns and less than 15 picks in both years. He still has that elite flare in him.

https://youtu.be/gZLKSZ9LIos

Also, while it doesn’t show up statistically, the fact that he has been a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for two years in a row cannot be understated. Eli’s importance to the locker room and the community is, quite easily, tops on this list.

.@Giants QB Eli Manning is a #WPMOY Finalist for the 2nd straight year! pic.twitter.com/WeyQLe9pwp

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 25, 2017

17. Olivier Vernon, Defensive End, New York Giants

Olivier Vernon was a monster for the Miami Dolphins in 2015, which warranted a big money move to New York. In his first season with the Giants, Vernon recorded three more tackles (64) and one more sack (8.5) than he did in his breakout year down south.

https://youtu.be/PbmLL-3Kq-Y

Vernon also had numerous quarterback pressures and did a tremendous job at setting the edge. As far as defensive ends go, there aren’t many that can defend the run as good as Vernon, who paid back a large chunk of the money invested in him.

Go inside the Film Room for a closer look at @oliviervernon54's strong first season with Big Blue!

WATCH: https://t.co/MrAvHwDTgU pic.twitter.com/LMNg1El05X

— New York Giants (@Giants) January 21, 2017

The 26-year-old was rewarded for his play by being named to the 2nd Team All-Pro squad, and if he continues to play at a high level, more all-pro nods and pro bowl selections should be in his future.

16. Masahiro Tanaka, Starting Pitcher, New York Yankees

The unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff, Masahiro Tanaka was terrific in 2016. In 199.2 innings of work, Tanaka compiled a 3.07 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, a .236 Batting Average Against and 165 strikeouts. He also won 14 of his 18 decisions.

Moving forward, the Yankees starting rotation is littered with question marks — is Michael Pineda good enough to be a number two? How much does CC Sabathia have in the tank? How about the youngsters at the back end of the rotation?

The one answer they have, assuming he stays healthy, is Tanaka, who figures to be the ace of the staff for the next several years down the line.