2013 vs 2014 Offense Comparison

Jun 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) hits a single against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

First Base 

Mark Teixeira was penciled in for first base last season but was hurt for most of the year. Former Blue Jays’ Lyle Overbay, signed just before spring training, was pressed into duty. In 485 plate appearances Overbay had a 86 wRC+ (14% worse than league average when factoring in park and league effects). That just doesn’t play at first base. Teixeira, if healthy, could put up a 105 or 110 wRC+ and provide power and walks from both sides of the plate. While mediocre for a first baseman, that would be a gigantic upgrade from last year. As a switch-hitter, Tex doesn’t really need a platoon partner but Mark Reynolds or Jeff Baker could pick up the slack on his off days or DH days while providing right-handed bats and positional flexibility off the bench. The Yankees are really relying on Tex to produce this year (especially from the right side) as first base was a complete black hole last year. Teixeira could easily be a 10 run (1-win) upgrade even if he just hits his 40th or 50th percentile and without factoring in defense.