New York Yankees: The 2022 Opening Day Dream Lineup

Batting Sixth: Joey Gallo (Left Field)

Yup, it’s possible the Yankees trade Gallo, but moving him down in the lineup and taking on the final year of his arbitration eligibility at just over $10 million can’t really hurt. He’ll have a full offseason to get acclimated, get his head straight, and come back to crush homers at Yankee Stadium in 2022.

Look at it this way: he can’t get any worse than he was in the second half with the Bombers. Throw in the fact he’ll know left field will probably be his primary position, and he can better prepare for that. Expect more production, improved defense, and a threatening power lefty bat from Gallo in pinstripes next year.

Batting Seventh: Gleyber Torres (Second Base)

Cashman hinted at Gleyber Torres’ return last week, suggesting he’ll be at second base and that the Yankees will need to find a shortstop. That’s why Correa’s now here, and Torres’ team-friendly salary will prove too good to pass up for the cost-conscious Yankees.

If Torres is more comfortable at second base, perhaps his bat comes around and he’s back to being an All-Star. Either way, it’ll help that he’s protected by more talent and hopefully fewer underachievers. A 25-homer Torres puts this team over the edge.