Predicting the New York Yankees’ Next “Core Four”

Gary Sanchez

Another obvious fit is the Yankees new starting catcher in the role of longtime Bombers backstop Jorge Posada. Over his 17 seasons in the big leagues, Posada was often the American League’s premier offensive catcher, earning five Silver Slugger awards during his peak, and Sanchez looks ready to earn that distinction as soon as 2017.

Sanchez established himself as the face of the team’s youth movement by socking 20 home runs in 53 games in the last two months of 2016, coming very close to stealing AL Rookie of the Year honors from Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer, despite his putting up excellent numbers over a full season in Detroit’s rotation.

The 24-year-old has already staked his claim on the third spot in the lineup and pushed aside Brian McCann as the team’s primary backstop. If there is any player who is certain to be a part of the group of youngsters to earn the “Core Four” name, it’s Sanchez.

Will there be a backlash when he doesn’t continue to hit like Babe Ruth in 2017? Almost certainly. Fans definitely need to adjust their expectations down from 50 home runs to 25 or so next year. Steamer projects him as New York’s best position player at 3.6 WAR, but expects a very mortal .268/.329/.491 (118 wRC+) with 24 home runs and 62 RBI in 481 plate appearances.

It’s important to remember just how good that is. Even if Sanchez doesn’t continue to break records with every swing, he should be an integral part of the Yankees next championship contender.