Yankees second-half has arrived; who steps up?

With the All-Star break completed, MLB and their fans have a full half of baseball left before the Postseason begins. So what should the Yankees hope for and who needs to improve for a successful playoff run?

The Yankees are still just one of three teams to record 60+ wins this season but have somewhat declined in ability.

Although some players have played fantastically thus far this season, and others have shrugged off their poor early season struggles, the Yanks would tremendously benefit from the improved play of a handful of players.

The Yankees are a World Series caliber team, but with the competition higher than ever, especially in the American League, the Yanks will need to be better than ever. And this starts with the sub-par performers becoming par — and then proceeding to become above par performers.

However, there are a number of factors are required first:

• So long as those who are playing well, continue.
• Aroldis Chapman continues to lock down the ninth inning.
• Luis Severino continues to pitch like a Cy Young candidate.
• Gleyber Torres stays on his AL Rookie of the Year Award course.
• The rest of the star-studded but young lineup continues to exceed expectations.
• The rest of the bullpen persists in limiting runs.

So long as these examples of productive Yankees continues, the Yanks will be in good shape. But with the improvement of current struggling Yankees, the Bombers could be a favored club come Postseason time.

Even in comparison to the red-hot Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, the Yankees have what it takes to take down any team in baseball, and could easily increase their likelihood to do so.

With that being said, let’s look at the few Yankees who could turn around their poor first halves to help push the Yanks a bit further.