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New York Yankees: Five Yankees that have exceeded expectations

By TJ Wengert

May 17, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) celebrates with shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) and right fielder Aaron Judge (99) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Yankees won 11-7. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) celebrates with shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) and right fielder Aaron Judge (99) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Yankees won 11-7. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Holliday (17) hits a single in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Holliday (17) hits a single in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Holiday

The 37-year-old has always been a good bat for any lineup, but the past two seasons has battled some injuries as his age was catching up to him.

Last year though was a pretty solid offensive year.

Through 110 games, the four time silver slugger award winner batted .246, with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. Those numbers are just about what the Yankees thought they’d get from him this year. Which would’ve been solid for an aging bat who provides great veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

Coming into the season, ESPN projected Holliday to hit .256 with 18 homeruns and 55 RBIs. Which, again, would’ve been good enough for the Yankees. The real genius behind bringing Holliday to the Bronx was his experience and how good of a clubhouse presence he is. With solid numbers and a role model for players like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and the rest of the “Baby Bombers”.

Instead, the Yankees have gotten a .269 batting average, 14 homeruns and 46 RBIs through just 63 games played. Those stats make Holliday a legit middle of the order bat to follow players like Judge and Sanchez. Giving the Yankees lineup more depth, a key reason to why they lead the MLB in runs scored.

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