Yankees youth movement is now a historic one

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Gleyber Torres (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Gleyber Torres (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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.