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New York Yankees: Predicting 2017 Team Award Winners

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) watches his catchers warm up during the workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) watches his catchers warm up during the workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees
Sep 21, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) is congratulated by designator hitter Brian McCann (34) after he hit a home run during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

– Most Valuable Player

In 2017, all eyes will be on Gary Sanchez for the New York Yankees. Last season, Sanchez may not have won the Rookie of the Year award, but he was certainly deserving. As the Yankees began their rebuild last season, Sanchez was one of the first members of the farm system to get a chance.

Right away, it was clear that Sanchez was going to be something special. Despite having two pretty good catchers in Brian McCann and Austin Romine, it was Sanchez who forced himself into more playing time.

Last season, Sanchez played in 53 games for the Yankees, and his numbers were ridiculous. He was able to total 20 home runs, a .299 batting average, and 42 RBIs. While it’s hard to expect Sanchez will sustain that pace for an entire season, he does have the potential to hit 30 home runs as a full-time catcher this season.

During the offseason, the Yankees traded away McCann in order to clear the way for Sanchez. The Yankees are quickly turning into his team, and if last season was any indication, he is the best hitter on the team. Expect to see a big season from Sanchez as he is focused and motivated to prove that 2016 was no fluke.

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