With the 2018 season fully behind us, it is time to look back on this past year and determine which Yankees were the most valuable to the club’s success.
The New York Yankees had the type of season most franchises would love to have. The Bronx Bombers would finish the season with a record of 100-62 and would make it to the ALDS before ultimately being defeat by the eventual World Champions, but this is the New York Yankees and that wasn’t good enough.
However, some of their players performed at a very high level that makes them extremely valuable to the club, so we look at those players now:
Number One: Aaron Judge
We start with the obvious case involving the Judge, Aaron Judge. Aaron has a remarkably consistent 2018. Especially when considering the volatility that was his 2017 campaign and even though Judge would miss about six weeks of the second half, his overall production has him ranked top on this list. Judge would end the season with 27 home runs, 67 RBIs and a WAR of 5.5.
There is no doubting the impact that Aaron Judge has on this Yankees team and it is evident that they don’t play as well when he is missing from the lineup.
Number Two: Aaron Hicks
The second Aaron in our countdown had a career year in nearly every category. Aaron Hicks was arguably the best centerfielder in baseball not named Mike Trout. That career offensive season combined with his usual stellar defensive abilities and it propelled Hicks to a career-high WAR of 4.7.
Hicks would go on to total career highs in hits, runs, home runs, RBIs, and even walks. Along with tying his career high marks in doubles and triples as well. With back to back outstanding seasons under his belt, and also seemingly be able to maintain his health, Hicks should be able to build upon that in 2019.
Number Three: Luis Severino
Despite a somewhat rocky second half and rough ALDS start, Luis Severino was the Yankees best pitcher as a whole. During the first half, Sevy was well on his way to winning his first Cy Young. Many ideas were given out about his second-half struggles. Most of which fall back on Sevvy tipping his pitches. A point that will surely be addressed this offseason, and if Luis is able to regain his control, it is only a matter of time before the Yankee ace wins the coveted AL Cy Young Award.