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Yankees: 26-man roster projection for 2021 season

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Steinbrenner Field on February 24, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Steinbrenner Field on February 24, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Yankees hope to see this fully healthy outfield next season

Left fielders (3)

Giancarlo Stanton

There is zero chance that Giancarlo Stanton opts out of his contract. Zero. Stanton is still due $25 million-plus until 2028, he would be foolish to take a chance on free agency.

Now, Stanton will likely fill the designated hitter role for the most part in order to keep him off the injured list. He should be able to fill in the corner outfield spots when needed but it looks like the Yankees have one expensive DH for the time being.

Hopefully, Stanton can silence critics and prove he can remain healthy with a normal outfielder’s workload.

Mike Tauchman

Tauchman was one of the biggest surprises of the 2019 campaign. He was traded to the Yankees just before the regular season began and quickly found himself as a fan favorite. The ‘Sockman’ filled in admirably for a unit that was decimated by injuries last season.

Before Tauchman himself was bitten by the injury bug in 87 games, he hit .277/.361/.504 displaying a swing befitting of Yankee Stadium.

Tauchman has no minor league options left, so the Yankees will need to keep him in the Majors.

Brett Gardner

While keeping five outfielders on the roster may not be the best use of the extra spot MLB was set to provide team’s before the 2020 season was impacted by COVID-19, the durability of all three projected starters is a serious concern.

One player who is rarely impacted by injuries is the wily veteran Brett Gardner. Somehow, someway Gardner yet again finds himself in a Yankees uniform for another season. The pinstriped faithful will get to witness Brett bang once more.

Centerfielders (1)

Aaron Hicks

No shocking moves here. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman locked Hicks up on a seven-year, $70 million deal prior to the 2019 season.

Right fielders (1)

Aaron Judge

All Rise for the Honorable Aaron Judge. He will be presiding over right field for another season.

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