Fansided

Yankees: 3 glaring roster holes keeping New York from World Series contention

By Miranda Remaklus

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 15: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 15: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – APRIL 15: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – APRIL 15: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

The New York Yankees seem to always be in World Series contention, but they have some holes that could keep them from serious consideration this season.

The Yankees made some key moves between the end of the lockout and the beginning of a shortened Spring Training.

Anthony Rizzo signed a two-year contract with the Yankees worth $32 million. He can opt-out after this season. In 16 games he’s hitting .250/.382/.571 with an wRC of +181 and five home runs. He has taken over at first base for the Yankees.

The Yankees traded with the Minnesota Twins to acquire Josh Donaldson who is in the penultimate season of a four contract worth $92 million. There is also a mutual option for 2024. He’s playing third base and is a designated hitter. He’s hitting .182/.308/.345 with two home runs and a wRC of +101.

Yankees roster holes could get best of them

They also traded with the Minnesota Twins for Isiah Kiner-Falefa. He’s playing shortstop for the Yankees. He’s hitting .300/.333/.380 with a wRC of +112. He has a one-year contract worth $4.7 million and will have one more year of arbitration eligibility in 2023 with free agency looming in 2024.

The Twins traded Donaldson and IKF to the Yankees for Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez. The Twins also received backup catcher Ben Rortvedt, who is on the injured list. The Yankees depend on Kyle Higashioka and Jose Trevino for catching duties.

These trades turned out well for the Yankees, but there were other moves they could have made to bolster their prospects for a deep playoff run to an MLB record 28th World Series championship.

Let’s take a look at the glaring holes the Yankees have that are keeping the club from being considered a top contender to win a World Series championship.

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