New York Yankees most important player in a 60-game season

Who is the most important player for the Yankees in a 60-game season?

After the MLBPA and owners could not come to an agreement on terms for the 2020 season, Rob Manfred has imposed a 60-game season and the players will comply. So, under these specific and oddly unique circumstances, who becomes the most important player for the New York Yankees this season?

Of course, Brian Cashman has been the architect behind this powerhouse, forward-thinking organization, and he has built a deep club through development, savvy trades, and breaking the bank when needed. Meaning, this was not an outright obvious option.

However, even with their freshly minted ace in Gerrit Cole slated to toe the slab for the first time in Yankees pinstripes, and Aaron Judge hitting towering home runs into the stands, the team’s most important player for this season is their young phenom, Gleyber Torres.

This version of the MLB season will resemble much more of a sprint than the casual marathon of 162 games. Therefore, every game carries much more significance under these terms, and an MVP candidate who can impact the game nearly every night becomes much more coveted.

Torres is just 23-years old and this season will mark year three for the Venezuelan infielder. In his first two seasons in the MLB, he has gathered two All-Star appearances, and he has knocked 62 homers and driven in 167 RBI in 267 games.

Last year, Torres was the team’s best player. He slashed .278/.337/.535 with 38 home runs and 90 RBI in 144 games. His numbers would have been even better had he played even just 150+ games. Probably around 40+ homers and 100+ driven in.

As mentioned before, Torres is still incredibly young. Meaning, he still has not reached his prime yet, and that should put a spry smile on the faces of Cashman, Aaron Boone, and the fans. With another year of development, he can truly become one of the most dynamic hitters in baseball.

Pitching often wins championships, which is why not choosing Cole was tough. Although, a perennial All-Star who slots into the middle of your order and drives in a ton of runs will ultimately prove more important under these unprecedented circumstances.

Torres is incredibly valuable for the Yankees in 2020.