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 15: Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees takes a walk during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Aaron Hicks should be ready to go

Hicks isn’t a big star in the Yankees’ Universe, but the team was very concerned about starting the 2020 season with him on the Injured List. The lengthy delay in starting the campaign will likely allow Hicks to be the team’s Opening Day starter in center field.

Having him back in the lineup gives Boone’s outfield the flexibility required to excel. His return to the active roster won’t keep Brett Gardner from playing a big role in 2020, but it will give the veteran the amount of rest required to play at a high level for the full 60-game slate.

Putting Hicks in center field on a regular basis also gives Boone the option to rest Stanton and Judge by putting them in the DH spot. Both Gardner and Hicks have the ability to play either corner outfield spot if need be. Mike Tauchman can also fill-in occasionally in that manner.

Hicks also gives the Yankees’ order a big boost by giving Boone another left-handed hitter to work with. The team is right-hand dominant even with him in the everyday lineup, but he helps break things up enough to minimize the issue. Hicks isn’t a superstar but he’s an important piece of the Yankees’ machine. His return is a big boost to the game in a 60-game season.

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