Garrett Cooper is the Yankees first baseman of the future

The Yankees made a move in mid-July that brought Triple-A slugger Garrett Cooper to the Bronx. Since making his debut on July 14^, Cooper has been a big bat and could be the first baseman of the future.

The Yankees have had a lot of inconsistencies over the course of the season. Their bullpen has been a question mark all year long. Starting pitchers have struggled at times and aces have been un-ace like. But their biggest issue has been at first base.

Greg Bird was tabbed to be the first baseman of the future for the Yankees. He burst onto the scene in 2015 but missed all of 2016 with a shoulder injury. After successful surgery and rehab, he was back on the field for Opening Day. But it did not go as planned. Bird went 6 for 60 (.100 batting average) before injuring his foot and has not played since May.

Nine different players have played first base for the Yankees this season, and only three are currently on the roster. Names like Chris Carter, Ji-Man Choi, and Rob Refsnyder have manned first base and are no longer with the team.

The only remaining are Chase Headley, Austin Romine, and Garret Cooper. With all the mayhem and struggle that Yankee first basemen have endured, Cooper has been the lone bright spot.

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Garrett Cooper was on an absolute tear in Triple-A for the Brewers this season. Through 75 games, the Auburn University product was hitting .366 with 17 home runs and 82 RBI. He was on the fast path to Milwaukee when, out of nowhere, the Yankees sent Tyler Webb to the Brewers and Cooper was a Yankee. The day after he was traded, he was promoted to the big leagues.

Cooper has been in the show for exactly one month and has made a significant impact. He has been splitting time with Chase Headley at first, and despite not being the everyday starter, has been a major contributor.

He is hitting .359/.366/.538 with five doubles and five RBI during his 12 games in pinstripes. He has shown that he can compete at the Major League level, and leaves Joe Girardi in a tough predicament.

Cooper is still figuring it out and has a lot of room for growth as a player. He is yet to find his power stroke in the Major Leagues but has the swing and power to be a contributing factor for the Yankees in the future.

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Cooper could be a big bat for the New York Yankees not only for 2017 but also for 2018 and the future. Spring Training could prove huge for Cooper, nd could lead him to the 2018 Opening Day lineup card.