The Bronx Bombers have been off to a fantastic start through 50 games of the 2024 MLB season. The Yankees record of 33-17 is best in the American League and second-best in all of baseball, just behind the Phillies (35-14). They currently rank 3rd in runs scored per game in the AL (4.80), T-1st in HR (70), 2nd in team OPS+ (115), and 1st in all of baseball with a 2.92 team ERA.
With an impressive record, it is no surprise that a majority of players on the team have been having career seasons thus far. Here is part 1 of Individual grades for each player through 50 games of the 2024 campaign. Shoutout to @TheYankeeReport on Instagram for giving me inspiration for this idea.
C/ Austin Wells (C+) - The 2020 first-round pick came into this season looking to become the next great Yankee backstop, but he has been underwhelming at the plate so far. In 28 games, Wells has a .205 BA, .312 OBP, .620 OPS, and a 77 OPS+. The Bat has been poor but where Wells has shined has been behind the plate. He currently ranks in the 88th percentile in terms of “Framing”, according to Baseball Savant.
C/ Jose Trevino (A) - One of the biggest surprises so far has been the offensive firepower of Trevino. The platinum glover has always been known for his amazing defense behind the dish, and this season is no different. His +4 cather framing runs are the best in baseball, but his .446 slug %, 17 RBI, and 118 OPS+ have exceeded all fans’ expectations.
1B/ Anthony Rizzo (B-) - The 34-year-old has been average at best in his 3rd full season with the Yankees. He has already committed 3 errors and has seen his average exit velocity take a massive dip in comparison to previous seasons. The Italian fan-favorite is going to need to raise his game on the field if the Yankees want to make a deep push in October.
2B/ Gleyber Torres (D) - A recent string of good at-bats have increased this ranking from an F, but the overall picture has been ugly for Torres, who’s in a contract year. Only 3 HR, a .223 BA, and a 74 OPS+ are not going to get you a large contract in the offseason, let alone a starting position on a championship team.
3B/ Oswaldo Cabrera (C) - Despite his incredible start to the season in Houston, Cabrera has been slightly below average at the plate in 2024. He is incredibly valuable due to his versatility on the field, but has struggled to provide productive at-bats.
3B/ Jon Berti (C+) - The speedy utility man was traded to the Yankees from Miami just before the start of the season, and has been serviceable in limited playing time (16 Games). Berti will struggle to find consistent playing time once the injured D.J. LeMahieu comes back.
SS/ Anthony Volpe (A-) - After struggling at the plate through most of his rookie campaign, the New Jersey kid has shown major improvement this year. Volpe has already accumulated 2.0 WAR in 50 games, which is the same amount he compiled through 160 games in 2023. Volpe has been a much more disciplined hitter, chasing less outside the zone, and making more contact. The former top prospect is currently on a 15-game hitting streak as of 5/22 and looks to be the next cornerstone SS for the Yankees.
Those are the rankings for the infield through 50 games of 2024. Come back for part 2, where grades will be given out for the outfield position players and the pitching staff.
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