New York Yankees: The Next Core Four?

The new generation of the New York Yankees is quietly and quickly approaching upon us. While most of us saw what the previous generation of Yankee greats (anchored by Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada) were able to do, the new “Core Four” is aspiring for the same success. This next-generation “Core Four” is/will be composed of Dellin Betances, Gregory Bird, Luis Severino, and Aaron Judge.

Aug 19, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12), New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (31) and New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) react after defeating the Minnesota Twins 4-3 at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Betances

Through two years, Betances has been able to almost mirror the success that Rivera had as a relief pitcher. Both Rivera and Betances started off as starters, but soon found a niche in the bullpen. Mo was able to maintain success as an elite closer, while Betances has emerged as an elite setup man. Closing games is a much harder task, and Rivera was able to excel for a long time. As time progresses, Betances could be promoted to the closer role and we will be able to see if he can follow in Rivera’s footsteps.

Also on Empire Writes Back: Who is the greatest Yankee of all-time?

Whereas Mariano relied on his unhittable cutter, Betances places emphasis on his overpowering fastball and nasty curveball. In the past two years, Dellin has over 200 total strikeouts and an ERA below 1.50. These are both dominant numbers for a relief pitcher, and his performance has even been record-setting. The parallels between the two players is scary, from their rise from failure and now to their shutdown roles. However, Betances has a long ways to go before he is the next Rivera, but at this rate, he looks to be real close.

Bird

Since being called up to the majors about a week ago, Bird got off to a slow start, but quickly turned it around. In the past two nights, Bird was able to lead the Yankees to victories over the Minnesota Twins. In five games, Bird is slashing .333/.368/.722. His patience at the plate already resembles that of a seasoned veteran. Now with Mark Teixeira‘s injury believed to be more serious than initially predicted, Bird should be given more playing time until Tex comes back. At only 22-years-old, he could be part of the next-gen core as the everyday first baseman after Teixeira’s contract is up. His power stroke is deadly, and his strengths could play very well into the Yankee Stadium home run advantage.

Severino

Severino has made three starts in the big leagues, after being called up to replace the injured Michael Pineda. In these three starts, he has pitched great, but fell victim to poor run support each time. Other than an elevated pitch count, Severino has been as-good-as-advertised. If he is able to finish out the season strong and remain in the possible playoff rotation or bullpen, he will be a bright spot for the years to come.

Judge

Out of the four aforementioned players, Judge is the only one still in the minors. Granted that he is only 23-years-old, his performance in the minors and in spring training could soon result in him getting called up. In both AA and AAA combined, Judge is batting .269/.341/.478 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. His 6’7″ and 275 lb frame could translate to tremendous power, and it won’t hurt that he will play in Yankee Stadium.

More from Empire Writes Back

Home/New York Yankees