Yankees: 4 Worst-Case Scenarios for the 2020 Season

A look at what could go wrong for the Yankees in 2020.

It’s hard to imagine a disappointing 2020 season with all of the expectations the New York Yankees have, but what if this year doesn’t go as planned?

This is a tough idea to think about, but as the old saying goes, “expect the worst but hope for the best.” Anything but a World Series would be a failure for New York, so if the following scenarios come to fruition, it could be a painful 60-game sprint in the Bronx.

A quick caveat before we move along: the coronavirus pandemic will cast its shadow over the MLB season and could lead to a worst-case scenario for the sport in general, but we’ll take a look solely at on-field issues that could plague the Yanks in 2020.

4. Flops in the back end of the starting rotation

The backend of the rotation could turn into a revolving door for the Yankees.

On paper, New York’s pitching staff looks very strong. With Gerrit Cole as the ace, James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka round out a formidable top three.

After that, the staff does have notable question marks. Veteran J.A. Happ is coming off arguably the worst season his career and Jordan Montgomery will return to the starting rotation for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018.

If Happ is unable to find his groove early and Montgomery can’t repeat the magic of his rookie campaign in 2017, the back end of the Yanks rotation will be in trouble. While that may not be an issue for a postseason series, New York has to get there first.

The Yankees will not be able to afford to let Happ and Montgomery, or any other starter for that matter, “figure it out,” providing them with longer leashes as they normally do with a full 162-game marathon. Instead, they’ll need to react quickly and either resort to the opener method or give opportunities to young guys like Clarke Schmidt, Deivi Garcia or Michael King.

Although talented, the aforementioned young arms are unproven and are certainly not guaranteed to be the answer in 2020.

New York should have the offensive firepower and front end rotation arms to make the postseason, but a disastrous year from their last two rotation spots could lead to serious issues and an overtaxed bullpen when the playoffs begin.

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.