New York Yankees: How do Yanks stack up against top AL contenders?
By Sean Dyer
Third Basemen
- Jose Ramirez (CLE) – 4 points
- Alex Bregman (HOU) – 3 points
- Rafael Devers (BOS) – 2 points
- Brandon Drury (NYY) – 1 point
Jose Ramirez had a breakout season last year on his way to finishing third in the AL MVP voting. Ramirez hit .318 with 56 doubles, 29 home runs, and 83 RBI. Ramirez did most of his work at second base last season because of Jason Kipnis’s injury but with Kipnis back, Ramirez will be starting at third base for the Cleveland Indians. The versatile defender also has over 100 career games at shortstop and 50 career games in left field.
Not only did Alex Bregman have a breakout season last year, but he also showed off his glove and power in the postseason. Bregman hit .284 with 19 home runs and 71 RBI in the regular season and then hit four home runs and made some highlight reel plays in the field in the playoffs.
At just 24 years old, the best is yet to come from Bregman. It may not be long before he tops this list of AL third basemen. For now, however, he should be proud to only be trailing the second runner-up for the AL MVP.
Rafael Devers makes Bregman seem like a veteran. At the ripe young age of 21, Devers has superstar potential in Boston. The youngster hit 10 home runs with 30 RBI in just 58 games, all while hitting .284 as a rookie last season. The big stage also doesn’t scare this kid. Devers hit .364 with two home runs in Boston’s short four-game postseason. Devers is another third baseman who could climb this list by the end of this year.
Many New York Yankees fans were excited about prospect Miguel Andujar taking over at third base this year. Not wanting to trust too many rookies in a year with World Series expectations, Brian Cashman swung a trade for Brandon Drury. Drury is a career .271 hitter and hit 13 home runs in 2017 after hitting 16 home runs in 2016. He also has defensive versatility with the ability to play third base, second base, and both corner outfield spots.