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These New York Yankees players are primed for a big 2020 season

By Cameron Diebold

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays line up for the national anthem during Opening Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rays 8-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays line up for the national anthem during Opening Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on April 10, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rays 8-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Yankees
Mike Ford, New York Yankees (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Offense Dark Horse: Mike Ford

Mike Ford will likely go into 2020 as the backup first basemen behind Luke Voit. This doesn’t mean Ford won’t get his share plate appearances and chances to succeed this season. Boone likes to give players days off whenever he can. This will lead to the former Ivy Leaguer from Princeton getting appearances both at first base and as the designated hitter.

Last year, in only 50 games Ford hit .259 with 12 home runs and 25 RBI. He made the most of his limited opportunities and opened lots of eyes in the New York Yankees organization.

Ford may open the year as the backup to Voit but don’t surprised if he eventually wins the starting job. Besides being a better defensive player than Voit, Ford also offers Boone a lefty bat in the righty-dominant lineup the Yankees have.

With Gregorius gone, the Yankees won’t have a lefty batter in the lineup other than Brett Gardner. While Gardner had 28 home runs last year, it’s not something the Yankees should expect of him again this year.

Ford offers Boone a big lefty bat that can take advantage of the short porch in Yankee Stadium. Boone will want to get Ford as many at-bats as he can. Expect him to be a key pinch hitter when not starting.

2020 Projection: Platoons with Voit at first. Reliable pinch hitter. A solid hitter power hitter that takes advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short right field porch.

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