MLB playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Yankees will make it

By Tre LyDay | Sep 19, 2017

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 17: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees celebrates his second inning home run against the Baltimore Orioles with teammates Matt Holliday #17 at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Didi Gregorius /

4. Didi is playing lights out

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has probably solidified himself as one of the best shortstops in all of baseball. On Sunday, he tied the Yankees franchise record for most home runs by a shortstop in a single season.

It’s still shocking that the Arizona Diamondbacks let him go with the way he’s improved from year to year. As a left-handed batter, it wouldn’t be shocking if he struggled against southpaws. Not the case with Gregorius. His .270 average against lefties is one of the best in baseball for a left-handed batter.

Gregorius almost never walks (he only has 24 on the season), yet his .822 OPS is third best on the team. He’s tied for the team lead in hits with 144, and second on the team in doubles. Not to mention his .318 batting with RISP is the best on the team.

Not only is he getting it done with the bat, but he’s a fantastic defender as well. He’s fifth on the team in fielding percentage, and fourth among position players on the team.

If Gregorius can keep it going through the final two weeks of the season, and into the playoffs it will be a huge boost to the Yankees.

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