Yankees: 4 Worst-Case Scenarios for the 2020 Season

3. A step back for Gleyber Torres

Could the next Yankees star take a step back?

Heading into the 2020 season, Gleyber Torres looks poised to become the next great Yankee. The then-22-year-old mashed 38 home runs and was a menace in the playoffs, posting a .324/.375/.703 line when the lights were shining brightest.

Despite paving his way toward superstardom, there’s concern about his fielding ability at shortstop. On the surface, Torres looks like a long-term fit at the position with solid range and a strong arm. However, he made a number of mental errors and mistakes, combining for 20 total errors last season while splitting time at short and second base.

At the plate, Torres seems to have it figured out. He improved his approach and cut down on his strikeout rate in 2019. While a small step back offensively wouldn’t be the end of the world, combining that with issues in the field could have the front office beginning to plan for him to be the answer at second rather than shortstop.

Torres is one of the most critical pieces of the Yankees’ future. Frankly, it’s almost painful to imagine Torres struggling this season. However, we are talking about worst-case scenarios, and there’s only one other player whose struggles may be more devastating for the Yankees.

2. Stanton falls flat

Frustrations would only grow if Giancarlo Stanton is unable to produce in 2020.

Out of all the players on the roster, perhaps none enters the season with more pressure on his shoulders than Giancarlo Stanton.

Justified or not, the well-paid slugger has frustrated many Yankees fans through his two seasons in pinstripes.

Despite helping carry the Yankees in the 2018 campaign with his 38 home run and 100 RBI, Stanton struggled in the postseason and it defined an otherwise impressive debut campaign for him.

Of course, his injury-riddled 2019 did him no favors and he now enters a critical year in winning over a demanding fan base. If he’s unable to, it could get ugly, especially after he’s done nothing to help out in quite a while.

While hearing fans complain about Stanton on social media and sports talk radio will certainly get old, his importance on the field cannot be overstated.

The former MVP sits in the heart of the Yankees lineup and helps other sluggers produce solely thanks to his presence. And if he’s able to actually consistently hit, the Bombers’ lineup is nearly unstoppable.

A World Series will not be possible unless Stanton is a key contributor.

1. Injury bug strikes again

Another year of injury after injury can slow the Yankees in their tracks.

The biggest threat to the Yankees success this season is the injury bug. Last year, New York sent an MLB record 30 players to the injured list but was able to weather the storm and win 103 games. In a 60-game sprint, losing a few key contributors could open the door and leave New York vulnerable, especially with a schedule loaded with tough NL East opponents.

Durability concerns surrounding some of the Yankees’ best players are well documented. If New York loses oft-injured outfielders Giancarlo Stanton or Aaron Judge for a few weeks, it will be an enormous hole to try and patch up in an abbreviated campaign.

Luckily for New York, a number of players who were set to miss time early in the season (Stanton, Judge, Aaron Hicks, James Paxton, etc.) will be healthy when Opening Day arrives. Although the Yankees may not be fully 100%, it certainly feels like the team is complete for the first time in a long time.

Now, New York displayed its depth last season with players like Clint Frazier, Mike Tauchman and Gio Urshela ready to step up at a moment’s notice. However, to expect the Yankees’ bench players to replicate such performances is a lot to ask.

Without the “Next Man Up” magic of the 2019 campaign, another year full of injuries could derail the Yankees’ 2020 season.