The many possibilities of a Yankees batting order in 2018

Flexibility presents itself

Rounding out the order is rookie sensation Gleyber Torres; or Ronald Torreyes; or Tyler Wade.

If Torres proves he is fully-healed from last June’s Tommy John surgery, and his raw power returns with a vengeance — then expect the 20-year-old top prospect to make the day roster.

Should Torres need more time to catch up to full-time game speed (say, until June), Aaron Boone can platoon Torreyes and Wade, depending on the opposing pitcher, who’s currently streaking or which guy’s defense makes more of a difference.

Barring any trades, the bench could include Jacoby Ellsbury, Austin Romine, Wade/Torreyes and Tyler Austin or Billy McKinney.

Ellsbury is officially the world’s most expensive fifth outfielder/pinch runner. Without flat-out releasing him, therefore eating the remaining $63 million on his contract, I’m not sure how the organization can free up his 25-man roster spot.

Austin Romine is a fine defensive catcher. The problem is that he gives you nothing with the stick. I had hopes that the Yankees would go out and make an offer to free agent catcher Alex Avila. But that was before the Stanton trade.

Keeping one more power bat/first base option on the bench is also likely until Bird further establishes himself. Between McKinney and Austin, two former top prospects, it’s a toss-up.

Austin has 123 career big league at-bats where he has displayed some serious power. The 26-year-old, Austin, is also very good around the bag. Aside from being another right-handed bat, his propensity for the almighty K has always been an issue.

McKinney has re-emerged as a prospect worth talking about since his trade from the Cubs organization to the Yanks’. Perhaps his biggest advantage over Austin, besides from being three years younger, is that he’s left-handed, which is something the team could certainly use more of.

Next: Here's why Stanton to the Yanks works

An outfielder by trade, McKinney spent time at first base during the most recent Arizona Fall League. Though he’s still learning the nuances of the position, McKinney is said to have exceeded expectations, showing signs of a natural fit.