Yankees deploy their first entirely under-30 lineup since 1989

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Yankees (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The days of old has-been stars packing the New York Yankees starting lineups appear to be numbered. On Sunday, April 22, the Yanks posted their first entirely under-30 starting lineup since September 9, 1989.

I wish I were there that day when GM Brian Cashman convinced owner Hal Steinbrenner to enter a rebuild. I grew tired of the Yankees old and outdated way of buying veteran all-stars to win titles. They always seemed to get burned at the end of those massive contracts they dished out.

An opportunity out of defeat shined during the summer of 2016. The Yankees for the first time in the history of my existence (note: I was born in 1993) decided to sell at the trade deadline! I’m a very competitive person who hates losing, but I was so excited for this rebuild.

The organization needed a fresh start. We needed the slow and aging veterans pushing 40 to pack their bags and get out of the Bronx. Also, relievers were high in demand for competitive teams and taking up space on our roster. So trading them at the right price made sense.

Cashman worked his magic over the last three years. And if his goal was to build a young but competitive team, mission accomplished.

After acquiring 28-year-old reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins this off-season, the Yankees became World Series favorites. The acquisition could be viewed as the final piece of Cashman’s puzzle to produce that young competitive team we as fans longed for.

The team hasn’t won a World Series yet, so it’s not time to celebrate. But it’s okay to recognize history in the making:

The beginning of the Gleyber Torres era

If it wasn’t for Cashman’s ability to flip impact relievers like professional wrestler John Cena flips cars, Torres might not be a Yankee. When the Yankees acquired closer Aroldis Chapman at a discount price from the Cincinnati Reds, fans had mixed feelings. Now, we thank the Yankee gods.

After acquiring Chapman before the 2016 preseason, he was forced to serve a suspension for a domestic violence case. With only a year left on his deal, Chapman became an expendable asset mid-season.

In selling him at a premium price to the Chicago Cubs, who were chasing their first World Series since 1908, Cashman acquired 19-year-old top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, Adam Warren, Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.

Now at the age of 21, the stage is set for Torres to be the latest Yankees breakout star. If what analysts and scouts have said about the talented Gleyber Torres is correct, the Yankees are in luck.

After battling back from last year’s Tommy John surgery, Torres recently became the youngest player since a guy by the name of Derek Jeter to make his MLB debut for the Yankees before July 1.

Seeing the number 25 on his back spoke volumes in regards to the direction the organization is devoted to taking moving forward.

Gleyber Torres will wear #25

This completes the #Yankees transformation from “buying” their players to growing them.

#25 worn by two of the biggest free agents signings in Giambi and Teixeria, now belongs to their biggest prospect in years.
— Steve Angelovich (@angelsteve89) April 22, 2018

Is a homegrown dynasty in the works?

The stars look like they’re lined up (see what I did there?). Based off of the Yankees’ roster foundation, they appear to be ready to compete for years to come.

They already have young homegrown starting pitchers in ace Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery in the majors. The organization is also developing a plethora of minor league candidates.

Our own Mike Calendrillo breaks down who the next great starting pitcher in pinstripes could be here.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the homegrown sluggers in Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez by now. The two will be the cornerstones of the franchise for years to come. And maybe Greg Bird, Tyler Austin, and Clint Frazier could join them if they each play to their potential.

Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres appear to be the future second baseman and third baseman for the franchise. By the way, Andujar is already making Yankee history as a 23-year-old rookie:

Miguel Andujar just homered in his first AB of the night. Which makes 7 straight games with an extra-base hit.

The only other #Yankees to do that, according to @EliasSports:

Mickey Mantle & Joe DiMaggio.

Whoever they are.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 23, 2018

We also briefly got a glance at outfielder/first basemen Billy McKinney in the majors before he hit the DL. Tyler Wade may be out of a job for now, but he’s still young, can play multiple positions, and is a valuable utility man the Yankees love carrying.

A star in the making is supposedly the powerful and fast outfielder, Estevan Florial. Cashman refused to deal him this offseason, which means he must see something special in the kid similar to the other previous untradeable prospects: Sanchez, Severino, Judge, and Torres.

These players may not be homegrown, but they’re young and important

Cashman’s elite ability to make detect and acquire underutilized but valuable players is priceless. For example, Chad Green, Aaron Hicks, Chasen Shreve, Ronald Torreyes and star shortstop Didi Gregorius were all significant acquisitions for a low price.

Shreve gives the Yankees another lefty arm who can strike out batters. His stuff may not be as dominant as any other member of the bullpen, but he’s looked stellar this season.

Torreyes doesn’t look like the average ballplayer, but he is vital to this team. At the age of 25, Torreyes can play anywhere the Yankees need him to play, and he’s not afraid to swing the bat. He may not have great pop, but he’s a fan favorite that is comfortable with his given role.

Hicks hasn’t had a full season as a starter under his belt, but he has proven to be a great fielder with speed, a terrific arm, and he’s improving as an impactful hitter. I could see him batting leadoff or in the two hole more often if he continues to find success at the plate.

Chad Green’s role as a reliever fits him more than a starting pitcher. His blazing fastball complimented by a sharp slider is one of the best combos in baseball.

Then we have Didi Gregorius, the MVP so far for the 2018 Yankees team. Derek Jeter’s replacement has been a pleasant surprise as a fielder and a hitter. It’s phenomenal how far he has come, and it’s time for the Yankees to offer Didi an extension.

.@Yankees here is your daily reminder to sign Didi to an extension. Have a nice day!
— Andrew (@AndrewwM_) April 23, 2018

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Is another young All-Star Bronx bound?

I expect Cashman to use the potential for this young team as leverage when negotiating with the 2018 free agent class. However, a trade can also be made during the regular season if the price is right.

Orioles shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, and Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will be interested in playing for the Yankees for sure. They haven’t won a championship, they want big money and the Yankees can afford them.

Yankees youth movement is now a historic one

The days of old has-been stars packing the New York Yankees starting lineups appear to be numbered. On Sunday, April 22, the Yanks posted their first entirely under-30 starting lineup since September 9, 1989.

The beginning of the Gleyber Torres era

Is a homegrown dynasty in the works?

These players may not be homegrown, but they’re young and important

Is another young All-Star Bronx bound?

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