New York Yankees: Empire Writes Back’s 2019 roster prediction roundtable
Matthew Travis’ predictions
Please note, these predictions are all direct quotes from the participants to me.
“The Yankees free agents for this year include J.A. Happ, Lance Lynn, Zach Britton, David Robertson, Neil Walker, and Adeiny Hechavarria.
Personally, I do not see the Yankees bringing back Zach Britton or Lance Lynn, but I could definitely see J.A. Happ and David Robertson wearing pinstripes next season and potentially Neil Walker and Adeiny Hechavarria.
Walker and Hechavarria are toss-ups because it is possible they are offered better roles with other teams which would lead them to leave the Yankees in hopes of getting more playing time elsewhere.
However, I could also see them signing back with the Yankees in hopes of winning a ring, so these two are more questionable than the others who have solid roles with the Bronx Bombers.
Players I honestly believe the Yankees can/will sign are Patrick Corbin and Manny Machado. Two players who would help the Yankees in a very large way ultimately bringing them closer to the top of the mountain.
Also, I could see the Yankees making one or two trades for starting pitchers should they miss out on free agents such as Patrick Corbin.
If the Yankees did miss out on free agent starting pitchers then you can expect them to go after pitchers such as James Paxton or Corey Kluber.
Who would be involved in said trades is something beyond me, but chances are it would be a package of prospects such as potentially Albert Abreu and others.
I believe that the prospects that make the team out of spring training will be Justus Sheffield and Stephen Tarpley.”
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Here is the 25 man roster projection according to Matthew’s predictions:
Pitchers (13): Luis Severino, CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, Patrick Corbin, J.A. Happ, Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green, Jonathan Holder, Justus Sheffield, David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, Stephen Tarpley
Catchers (2): Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine
Infielders (6): Greg Bird, Miguel Andujar, Manny Machado, Gleyber Torres, Luke Voit, Ronald Torreyes
Outfielders (4): Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner.
Disabled List (2): Jordan Montgomery, Didi Gregorius
Next up, we finish off with my own predictions for how the roster will shape up as we enter the 2019 winter months!