Do the New York Yankees Require a Lineup Revamp for 2021 Postseason Success?

The perennial powerhouse that is the New York Yankees has consistently been a top contender in the MLB. Yet, their performance in the postseason often hinges on the effectiveness of their batting lineup. This article will go through the strengths and weaknesses of the Yankees' lineup, examine their performance in 2020, and discuss whether a revamp is necessary for improved 2021 postseason performance.

Lineup Analysis of the New York Yankees in 2020

Before diving into the need for a revamp, it's crucial to understand the balance of the Yankees' lineup in the 2020 season. The team had several standout statistics:

Walk Rate: The Yankees led the American League with a walk rate of 11.4, indicating a strong overall batting approach. Walks per Strikeout: With a ratio of 0.56 walks per strikeout, the lineup showed a propensity to take walks rather than strike out, a crucial factor in maintaining at-bats. Runs Scored: The Yankees scored 315 runs, the highest in the American League. wRC and wOBA: Their weighted runs created (wRC ) was 116, indicating that every batter on the team performed above league average. Additionally, their wOBA (.341) was solid, indicating strong overall bat quality. OBP and OPS: With an on-base percentage (OBP) of 0.342 and slugging percentage (OPS) of 0.789, the team demonstrated a solid approach that combined both power and contact. Slugging Percentage: The Yankees were second in the American League with a SLG% of 0.447, showing that they had the firepower to hit for both power and average. K-Rate: The team had the second-lowest strikeout percentage (21.7), proving that they could hit with power while limiting swings and misses.

However, the most telling statistic is that in high-leverage situations, the Yankees struck out less than their opponents, with the team's wRC , wOBA, and home run rates both being tied for second in the AL. This resilience in clutch situations is what can make the difference in playoffs.

Areas for Improvement

Despite these impressive statistics, there are clear areas where the Yankees can improve. Injuries to key players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton significantly impacted the team's performance, leaving a void in their lineup.

Wenners Sanchez and Gleyber Torres: These players struggled, partly due to injuries and the before-mentioned short season in 2020. They will be under close scrutiny going into 2021. Pitching Depth: While relievers like Adam Ottavino and Chad Green played significant roles, their recurring issues highlight the need for a stronger pitching staff.

In 2020, the starting rotation didn't provide the consistent support the pitchers needed. Only three starters posted ERAs under four, indicating that the team needs more reliable starting pitcher options:

Gerrit Cole: An All-Star with a 2.84 ERA, he provided solid innings per start. Masahiro Tanaka: A veteran with a 3.56 ERA, he was somewhat inconsistent in his 4.2 innings of work per start. J.A. Happ: A 3.47 ERA with just 5.1 innings per start, showing that a staff with more experienced players is needed. Jonathan Loaisiga and Deivi Garcia: Newcomers who struggled, especially with Garcia showing promise but not enough innings to confirm his potential. Reasonable Hopes for Montgomery: With a 5.11 ERA, Montgomery's performances suggest he may be a gamble to rely on.

Conclusion and Strategy

Based on the 2020 statistics and the mounting evidence from injuries and underwhelming starting pitching, it seems prudent for the Yankees to consider a lineup revamp for the 2021 postseason. While improving the batting lineup can enhance their chances, the pitching staff remains the most critical component.

Key steps include:

Focus on Rest and Recovery for Key Hitters: Investing in their health and ensuring they are well-rested is crucial for sustained success. Enhancing the Starting Rotation: The Yankees should aim for a more balanced and dependable pitching staff, possibly through trade or free agency. Depth in the Bullpen: Replenishing and fortifying the bullpen can provide the team with a more consistent performance in critical games.

In conclusion, while the Yankees have already demonstrated an exceptional lineup, areas of improvement in the pitching department and overall strategy could be the key to success in the 2021 postseason. It's a calculated risk worth considering to ensure continued competitiveness and success.