Breaking Down the Platoon Options for the 2017 Yankees Lineup

Designated Hitter

The final role that stands out as a potential platoon option is designated hitter. How this spot is used depends primarily on what the Yankees decide to do with incumbent DH and former starting catcher Brian McCann this offseason.

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There are rumors that McCann will be dealt, possibly to his old team the Atlanta Braves, although McCann itself has made clear he is happy in his new role as Sanchez’s backup and mentor.

Keeping McCann, Gary Sanchez, and Austin Romine gives Girardi a lot of flexibility to mix and match at both catcher and designated hitter. The Sanchize clearly isn’t going to be in a platoon, but the skipper can make sure his off-days come against righties, starting McCann behind the plate and putting one of the club’s many lefty outfielders at DH.

Romine and McCann could essentially be in a platoon at backup catcher, and the team could use Romine, Judge, Rob Refsnyder, or Hicks as platoon partners for Mac at DH.

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Steve Pearce, Pedro Alvarez, and Brandon Moss also stand out as veteran power bats the team could bring in to give Girardi even more options at first, DH, and the outfield without breaking the bank.