New York Yankees: The 2022 Opening Day Dream Lineup

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Batting Fourth: Giancarlo Stanton (DH)

Big G. Cleanup. Another guy who kept the Yankees alive in 2021 without much help from anyone else. Giancarlo Stanton blew everyone away in August and September and then was the best hitter in the AL Wild Card Game against the Red Sox.

Hopefully he can continue to play a little defense because we think that definitely helped with his approach at the plate.

Batting Fifth: Carlos Correa (Shortstop)

No matter who you want taking over at shortstop in 2022, you’d be hard-pressed to find many fans upset with Carlos Correa coming to the Bronx. He’s played for the enemy since 2015 and has had health issues like Corey Seager, but his All-Star 2021 campaign and performance throughout the playoffs has sealed the deal.

The Yankees need energy and postseason pedigree, two things they severely lack. Correa is one of the most outspoken figures in the sport and comes ready to play in high-pressure moments. That explains his career .273 average and .868 OPS in 73 postseason games. He’s a tremendous defender too. Shouldn’t be any problems up the middle with him holding down the fort.