Start spreading the news, New York Yankees fans. Baseball is finally back. This is a return to a somewhat normal baseball season. A full spring schedule and a full 162 game season are coming up for the New York Yankees.
As of now, fans will also return to the Bronx with a 10% capacity limit. A return to normalcy is coming and it is starting with the return of fans and a somewhat normal MLB season in 2021.
Looking Back At 2020
2020 was a season to forget for the New York Yankees. In the shortened 2020 season the Yankees finished 33-27 record. They finished 2nd behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East.
The Yankees were then knocked out of the Postseason when the Rays continued their dominance over the Yankees in five games. It was a very inconsistent season for the Yankees and 2021 needs a big turnaround.
Biggest Additions
The Yankees made all their fans stress this offseason. The lack of moves had fans nervous but then big moves came out of nowhere. The biggest move was resigning DJ LeMahieu. He signed a six year-$90 million deal.
New York also made a big signing by bringing in two-time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber. Yankees also made a trade for Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter Jameson Taillon. He has a tough career dealing with two Tommy John surgeries but there is plenty of hope for Taillon.
Brett Gardner will also return to the Yankees with a one-year deal with a second-year option. The Yankees also brought in two veteran relief pitchers. Darren O’Day was signed by the Yankees. Former Yankee Justin Wilson will also return on a one-year contract.
Biggest Losses
With the addition of plenty of pitchers, this means several pitchers will not be returning. This move hurt Yankee fans the most as they did not bring back veteran Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka is returning to Japan. So many memories were made and this is one Yankee fans were hurt by.
James Paxton will also not be returning as he went back to the Seattle Mariners. JA Happ also walked as a free agent as he went to the Minnesota Twins. Adam Ottavino was traded to the Boston Red Sox as well.
What To Expect In 2021
After a tough and shortened 2020 season fans expect a full-scale turnaround. The New York Yankees have made many important deals that can make this team a top-tier contender again, With fans back in the stadium this should motivate the Yankees even more.
The first goal the Yankees should have is reclaiming the AL East crown. Last season, the Yankees were blindsided by the Tampa Bay Rays when they went 2-8 in the regular season and lost to them in the ALDS in five games. The Yankees will also be tasked with taking down the Blue Jays. Toronto has plenty of new players that now make them a huge threat to win the AL East.
One goal still remains in mind. The 28th championship is still the number one goal for the Yankees. Ever since the 2009 World Series, the Yankees have not made it back to the Fall Classic. Ever since they have either fallen short in the postseason or missed the postseason entirely.
When playing in the Big Apple the Yankees are playing for a World Series or it is a failed season. The Yankees have spent tons of money on top-tier talent and now it is time to put that money to use by winning their 28th title.
