Yankees: 3 players who could surprisingly not make Opening Day roster

Spring training games start Sunday. Baseball is here! There will not be another Sunday until October in which we won’t see a baseball game — barring any unforeseen issues/setbacks with the current global pandemic.

That means we will be fully glued to the New York Yankees between now and (hopefully) November. We need it. It’s everything we’re hoping for.

But as Yankees fans know, there isn’t a single season devoid of drama, whether it’s injuries, off-the-field issues, roster controversies, trade rumors, etc. The list goes on and on. And we could have our earliest drama (this is an optimistic timeline) at the end of spring training when the Bombers decide upon their 26-man roster.

Why? Because they brought in a lot of guys to compete over the next month and you know there will be a few position battles that don’t go in favor of some current Yankees.

Let’s take a look at who could surprisingly be left off the Opening Day roster.

Here are three surprise decisions the Yankees might make this spring.

3. Tyler Wade

Tyler Wade‘s value comes on the defensive side of the ball, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Gleyber Torres, but the 26-year-old has now had four seasons to prove something with his bat and … he’s got a .190 average to show for it.

Don’t you think there’s some truth to the Yankees bringing in Derek Dietrich this spring to put some heat on Wade? Dietrich doesn’t play short, but he’s a power lefty bat who can effectively play first, second, third and the corner outfield spots.

Wade getting pushed off the roster is easily the least likely outcome out of all of these because the Yankees need someone to play shortstop in the event Torres gets hurt, needs a day off, or is downright bad, but don’t you think they can make do by giving Thairo Estrada the nod if they absolutely need to at some point in 2021?

We’re not saying that’s the answer, we’re just saying that the front office might value Dietrich’s versatility and power more than Wade’s middle infield defense and non-existent bat.

Again, unlikely, but the beginning of the writing could be on the wall if he has a bad spring.

2. Jonathan Loaisiga

Speaking of players who have had ample time to prove their worth, Jonathan Loaisiga is another one. Look, it’s not easy in New York. The expectations are higher and the Yankees hope for more out of their players.

Though Loaisiga has gradually improved ever since debuting in 2018, he’s certainly not what you’d call reliable and the Yankees brought in a bunch of new relievers this offseason. Darren O’Day and Justin Wilson will do their best to replace Adam Ottavino and Tommy Kahnle while veterans Nick Goody and Kyle Barraclough (non-roster invites) will try to make an impression. And don’t forget about prospect Addison Russ!

All we’re saying is that there will be a good old fashioned competition for the remaining bullpen spots that Aaron Boone feels need fortification. Where does Loaisiga’s value lie? Is he a starter or a reliever? He has good stuff, but when will he be able to put it all together?

The Yankees mentioned potentially using Johnny Lasagna as a Swiss Army option — he can start games, he can pitch multiple innings in relief, he can come in for a few high-leverage outs — but that’s not an easy job to fill if you’re still trying to “figure it out.”

The 26-year-old could very well lose his job in the ‘pen if the aforementioned guys manage to give Boone a reason to act boldly. Plus, Loaisiga has one option remaining, so the Yankees can stash him at Triple-A for at least the beginning of the season if they think they can do better.