The Yankee Renaissance
The winter following the 2018 season was supposed to be when the Yankees would make their move. At that time Bryce Harper and Manny Machado would be free agents. The Yankees - notorious for always being the highest bidders - were, and still might be, the favorites to land one (or dare I say both) of baseball's biggest stars. But then something unexpected happened; something that rarely happens with the Yankees. They groomed their own talent; talent that currently has them in first place in the AL East, leading the majors in runs scored, as well as run differential. Through 60 games, this Yankee team is a legit World Series contender, and no one really even saw it coming.
Back in 1996, the Yankees had a young nucleus, one that would later be known as the "Core Four." That group included Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Jorge Posada. With these four, the Yankees went on to win 5 World Series, including 4 in a 5-year span. They were special; all-time special. The current rendition of the Bronx Bombers might have their own version of a "Core Four"; home-grown talent that will prove vital in their quest of multiple World Series titles. Those four would be Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino, and Gleybar Torres.
Judge, put kindly, is a tank. The 6'8' 282-pounder has been mashing as of late, as he currently leads the American League in all three triple crown categories. Not only does he hit homers, he hits them into alternate time zones. His brute strength is unparalleled.
Gary Sanchez is a young Ivan Rodriguez. A master behind the plate defensively and a wizard with the bat in his hands. He missed almost a month earlier this season, but still has 10 homers and 28 RBI's. He is averaging a home-run every 15 plate appearances, or roughly every third game.
Luis Severino, after inexplicably struggling last season, is absolutely dealing this year. His 2.75 ERA ranks top-5 in the American League. Severino is also averaging the highest velocity on his fastball amongst all starting pitchers. He has made himself a legitimate case to be invited to pitch in the MLB All-Star Game.
Gleybar Torres, who the Yankees acquired from the Cubs, has yet to even play in a Major League game, but the Yankee shortstop has been rated by many as the top prospect in all of baseball. His silky glove paired with his nimble bat reminds scouts of Carlos Correa, the Astros tantalizing young shortstop.
These four Yankee assets are all under the age of 25. The future is bright in the Bronx. Yes, they are ahead of their stated time-table to contend. Maybe they don't have to pursue, and perhaps overpay, for Harper or Machado. Maybe they have all of the talent that they need in-house. It worked for them in the late 90's, and so far it has looked promising. The New York Yankees are the real deal. Look out.
