The most surprising Yankees so far in 2018

Just past the ⅓ mark of the MLB season, the New York Yankees currently have the best record in the MLB at 41-18.  Many Yankees have made a significant contribution to this team so far in 2018 and by no means has this start to the season been because of just one player.  That being said the most surprising Yankee so far in 2018 has to be rookie sensation Gleyber Torres. When the Yankees traded for Torres in 2016 they knew they were getting a player with big time potential, as he was ranked the number 26 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.  Torres has wasted no time living up to that potential as he has blossomed into a star right before our eyes.  

  

So far in 2018 Gleyber Torres has appeared in 39 games.  Only 136 at bats into his career, Torres has posted a .294 batting average, 10 HR, 28 RBI, and 18 R.  He won the A.L Rookie of the month in May, posting a .317 batting average. Despite a few defensive mistakes, Torres has been everything the Yankees had hoped and more so far in 2018 and is an early favorite for A.L. Rookie of the Year along with Shohei Ohtani.  A natural shortstop, Torres is beginning to adjust to his new position at second, and looks more comfortable there every game. Torres along with Didi Gregorius have potential to be one of the best up the middle combos in the league, and will be turning double plays together for years to come.  

  

In addition to his impressive stats, Torres is also being praised for his maturity, at only 21 years of age, and his baseball IQ, setting him years ahead of schedule.  Let us not forget, last year rookie sensation Aaron Judge was 25 year of age. Torres looks to have the same level of maturity and confidence as Judge while being four years younger.  Torres has seemed to remain very calm and confident even in the biggest situations. He already has two walk off hits, including a homerun. Back in May, Torres homered in four straight games becoming the youngest Yankee in history to do so. 

  

Torres has been so impressive so far that it really made it impossible for anyone else to take this honor, but there were several other players who have stepped up this season and have been very surprising in their own way.  Fellow rookie Miguel Andujar has had an incredible start to his career as well, batting .306, with 7 HR, 26 RBI, and 21 2B. Andujar is a natural hitter who can murder the fastball. Just like Torres, Andujar is also years ahead of schedule, and if he ends up being dealt at the deadline as part of a deal for a pitcher, his stock has skyrocketed so far this season. 

  

Backup catcher Austin Romine has been playing remarkable ball as of late, as his 11 game hitting streak was finally snapped on Wednesday in Toronto.  Romine is hitting a ridiculous .344, with 4 HR, and 19 RBI, in only 22 games played.  

  

With all the outstanding Yankees of far this season it is no surprise that they currently have the best record in the league.  They have had contributions from everyone, up and down the lineup, and it seems like a new guy steps up every single night. There is no doubt in any Yankee fans mind that Gleyber Torres will be a huge part of the Yankees for many years to come.   

   

Article By: Curtis Rattner 

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