While the Yankees did not win a World Series this past decade, they still had some outstanding players. Which were the 10 best? Let’s debate.
With the new decade set to kick-off, it’s time to reflect on the most recent chapter of Yankees history, which was 2010-2019.
While no world championships were won, there were plenty of moments and players that will not be forgotten. Who stood out most? Let’s rank the top-10 Yankees of the decade and start with those ranked 10-6.
Keep in mind, for consideration to make the list, each player must’ve played at least three seasons with the team.
10. Mark Teixeira (2010-2016)
If it weren’t for injuries, first baseman Mark Teixeira would likely be much higher on this list.
In the decade, Teixeira won two Gold Gloves, was named an All-Star in 2015 and hit at least 30 home runs three times (2010, 2011 & 2015).
Teixeira was well on his way to a potential MVP season in 2015 when he posted a .905 OPS with 31 home runs and 77 RBIs in just 111 games but a fractured leg ended his season and ultimately pushed him closer to retirement.
While Teixeira is a player that forces to ask the question “what could’ve been”, his contributions helping the Yankees reach the postseason four times in the decade and earning several honors makes him deserving of a spot on this list.
9. Derek Jeter (2010-2014)
While injuries kept the legendary Derek Jeter out for most of 2013 and age showed in his final season of 2014, the Yankees do not make the playoffs without the captain from 2010-2012.
For those first three seasons of the decade, Jeter was named an All-Star all three years, took home a Gold Glove in 2010 and a Silver-Slugger award in 2012.
No year during the decade was better than 2012 for Jeter as he led all of baseball with 216 hits with an average of .316 and slugging 15 home runs.
While he did not do much after his monster 2012, the three successful seasons to start the decade earn him a spot on this list.
8. Andy Pettitte (2010-2013)
Like Jeter, the 2010s marked the end of Andy Pettitte’s carer, the long-time ace played a big role in helping the Yankees reach the postseason three times in the decade with two trips to the ALCS.
Pettitte was named an All-Star in 2010 as he pitched to a 3.28 ERA and 11-3 record in 21 starts. That postseason, he earned the win in the ALDS clinching victory over the Twins with a seven-inning masterpiece.
After sitting out 2011 in retirement, Pettitte returned to the Yankees in 2012. Coming back proved wise as he pitched to an outstanding 2.87 ERA in 12 starts and in the postseason earned a victory over the Orioles in the ALDS and tossed 6.2 innings of two-run ball in a no-decision in game one of the ALCS against the Tigers.
Pettitte finished his carer in 2013 after posting an ERA of 4.13 in 185.1 innings of work.
7. Robinson Cano (2010-2013)
While Robinson Cano may no longer be popular in the Bronx, there’s no denying he belongs on this list.
In each of his four seasons with the Yankees during the decade, Cano was named an All-Star and won the Silver Slugger award at second base. Cano also took home two Gold Glove awards and helped the Yankees reach the postseason twice, including two trips to the ALCS.
Cano hit at least .300 in each season with the Yankees during the decade and also hit at least 27 home runs all four years.
If Cano had chosen to stay with the Bombers, he’d likely be up near the top of the list, but having only played four seasons, he stays in the bottom half.
6. Mariano Rivera (2010-2013)
Up until the day Mariano Rivera hung up his cleats following the 2013 season, the great Rivera was among baseball’s most dominant relievers.
Rivera was named an All-Star in 2010 as he saved 33 games and pitched to a 1.80 ERA. He would follow that up with another All-Star season in 2011 as he recorded 44 saves and pitched to a 1.91 ERA in a season that saw him pass Padres great Trevor Hoffman for the MLB all-time saves record.
After tearing his ACL in May of 2012, Rivera returned in 2013 for a final big league season. He wouldn’t miss a beat as he was again named to an All-Star in a season that he saved 44 games.
Next Friday will reveal the top five Yankees of the decade so make sure to return to find out who makes the cut.