5 reasons Yankees will dominate the 60-game season

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Steinbrenner Field on February 24, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in game five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

4. The bullpen is still lights out

The added importance of each individual game will give a greater emphasis on the quality of each team’s bullpen. Fortunately for the Yankees, that’s been a priority for the team’s front office. They should benefit greatly from their ability to hold leads late in games.

Chapman gets the lion’s share of the publicity from his closer role, but he’s not the only dominant arm residing in Boone’s bullpen. The combination of Adam Ottavino and Zack Britton gives the Yankees arguably the best setup crew in the game. The ability to deploy a high-quality left or right-hander late in games is a luxury that few teams can afford.

The depth of the bullpen is also a powerful weapon for the Yankees. Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle would be setup guys for most World Series contenders. Boone’s ability to turn to them in the fifth or sixth inning will give him a big advantage in 2020.

The organization’s embarrassment of riches in the bullpen even extends to several high-powered arms who might struggle to get innings this season. Jonathan Loaisiga still has a chance of establishing himself as a starter, but his floor is as a high impact reliever with dominant stuff. Even Luis Cessa showed signs of real progress in 2019. Add the whole group together and they should help the Yankees secure an extra win or two in a 60-game season.

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