Yankees Offense Crippled By Lack of Lead Off Presence Continues
The Yankees have a problem in the lineup that is not only a present issue but has been a nagging issue for a number of years now. The leadoff spot is the most important role for a baseball team. It's the spark, the table setter, and the threat that lingers deep in games that are up for grabs. It is the position that can come through when power runs dry. Yankee history tells us that the leadoff hitter sets the tone for success. The offense over the years was loud and showed off the home run often. The problem always reared its ugly head in the postseason. The power is neutralized, and the offense cannot manufacture runs in any other manner. Derek Jeter was the template for the dynasty until his retirement. He got on base and stole bases. He would take a base on a passed ball and score on a sacrifice fly. He moved from first to third easily and could score from first if the ball fell right. The Yankee way was once this way. It has not been since.
The Yankees continue to expose their pure misunderstanding of the nuances of acquiring a true leadoff hitter. The start of this season saw the Yankees imply they would be creative by announcing that Austin Wells, the catcher, would lead off in 2025. He has led off twice. The Yankees proceeded in the first three months of the season to field ten men in the lead-off role. This was after rumors that Luis Arraez could be traded seemed possible. The Yankees did not go for a batting champion who is currently hitting .280. The organization has experimented much, trying to hit on the formula for identifying a leadoff man from within. The numbers show three men have been successful, and it's no surprise that those three have had the most at-bats.
Trent Grisham’s surprising power surge and high batting average starting the year made that decision easy until Trent returned to the mean. Paul Goldschmidt is a smart veteran who knows how to hit, but is more of a two or three-hitter naturally. Ben Rice's quick lefty stroke and early success made him seem like the choice. However, all three returned to who they are, and that is simply because they are not natural leadoff hitters. The Yankees have two men who could be the answer if only the team would commit to seeing it through. Otherwise, the Yankees will have to go outside the organization to acquire one. Jasson Dominguez has led off once, played infrequently, and was forced to switch hit when the left side is his dominant side. His power, patience at the plate for one so young, and elite speed are the ingredients for leadoff success. The other is Jazz Chisholm Jr., who, when he was acquired from the Marlins, was thought to be brought in to top the lineup. However, he has played every position but leadoff. His mix of power and speed is the formula, provided he does not fall too much in love with his tools. His recent emergence as a hitter who can hit for average and use the whole field could open up this lineup and help it be more consistent. This is the move that could unscribble this lineup finally, and then the fireworks can be launched.
