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Predicting the Yankees Opening Day lineup in 3 parts

By Zachary Rotman

Feb 21, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) warm up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) warm up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (right) celebrates his home run with third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. The Yankees won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Batting fourth for the Yankees and playing RF Giancarlo Stanton

Simply put, the Yankees need more from Giancarlo Stanton in 2023. He slashed .211/.297/.462 with 31 home runs and 78 RBI in 110 games. The power numbers were solid, but they need Stanton to be more than just a home run or bust guy. In 2021 he hit .273 with a .354 OBP, there’s no reason to believe he can’t replicate those figures.

A way to do this would be to cut down the strikeouts, at least a little bit. He ranked in the eighth percentile according to baseball savant in K% as he fanned 30.3% of the time. If putting him in the field will make his numbers improve, then by all means do it. They just have to manage him correctly, which is hard to do. Hopefully he doesn’t spend too much time on the Injured List.

5. Batting fifth for the Yankees and playing 2B Gleyber Torres

Gleyber Torres enjoyed a bounceback campaign for the Yankees, slashing .257/.310/.451 with 24 home runs and 56 RBI in 140 games played. Torres hit for more power this past season after hitting just nine home runs in 127 games in 2021.

His numbers are still not as good as the 2018 and 2019 seasons when he looked like he’d be a future superstar, but they were serviceable. I don’t think the Yankees would complain if they got another 114 OPS+ season out of him in 2023. Ideally he’d hit a spot or two lower, but the Yankees don’t really have anyone better to put higher.

6. Batting sixth for the Yankees and playing 3B Josh Donaldson

The Yankees hope for a bounceback season out of Josh Donaldson in 2023. He should not have a spot in the lineup every day until he earns it with his play, but with Lemahieu at DH, Donaldson should be at third base at least for now. For those asking why Donaldson isn’t the DH with Lemahieu at third, Donaldson was elite defensively last season as he ranked in the 90th percentile in OAA and had 7 DRS last season.

Donaldson hit fifth most of the time for the Yankees last season, including the postseason when he was at his absolute worst. He’s unlikely to approach his MVP figures or even his 2021 numbers when he had an .827 OPS and a 127 OPS+ for Minnesota again, but just be better. Please. Give the Yankees something out of this awful trade.

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