The New York Yankees are less than a week away from the start of the 2024 regular season, and there have been a handful of standouts who excelled this spring.
While some players were expected to shine, there are a handful of Bombers who exceeded expectations. Spring numbers aren't everything, but it's hard to deny what a strong showing in spring training can do for players going into the regular season.
Entering Saturday's split-squad matchups, here's a look at some of the Yankees who stood out this spring:
1. OF Juan Soto
The big-ticket acquisition from the offseason, Soto did not disappoint this spring. Entering Saturday, Soto is slashing .326/.396/.674 with four home runs, 10 RBI and three doubles. It's expected of him to be arguably the Yankees' best hitter in the lineup, but it's encouraging that he avoided a dreadful start while making the transition to New York.
2. RHP Luis Gil
Few pitchers showed as strong of stuff as Gil this spring. Battling for the fifth starter spot in the rotation, Gil's electric fastball was well on display. In 15.2 innings, Gil led the staff with 23 strikeouts while posting an incredible 0.83 WHIP and allowing a .127 opposing batting average. There's a good chance he opens the season as the fifth starter.
3. C Austin Wells
The left-handed catcher proved he's on his way toward a bigger role as he's likely to split time behind the plate with Jose Trevino. Wells, the team's first-round pick in 2020, has enjoyed an excellent spring. In 15 games and 35 at bats, Wells is slashing .314/.400/.600 with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBI. He's also showed a lot of improvement defensively, garnering praise throughout the spring.
4. RHP Will Warren
The other side of the battle for the fifth starter spot. Warren's numbers may not be as strong as Gil's, but they are impressive nonetheless. In 15.2 innings, Warren posted 13 strikeouts with a 3.52 ERA while allowing just two walks. It's unclear yet who will be the fifth starter, but it likely comes down to a decision (or combination) of Warren and Gil.
5. OF Spencer Jones
Though we may not be seeing Jones in the big leagues for a while, the 2022 first-round pick showed he has loads of potential. The towering left-handed power hitter only had 18 at bats in 12 games during Spring Training, but he was stellar with his opportunities. Though it's a small sample, he slashed .444/.565./.722 adding a home run, two doubles and four RBI. When Jones will be called up remains to be seen, but the potential he showed this spring is extremely encouraging that it will be sooner rather than later.
6. OF Oscar Gonzalez
One of the many questions the Yankees face with less than a week to go until the start of the regular season will revolve around the final bench spots. Gonzalez very well may have made a case for himself for that spot considering the strong spring he put together. In 20 games and 46 at bats, Gonzalez is slashing .326/.367/.522 with four doubles, one home run and seven RBI. Where the Yankees go in terms of the final bench spot is a mystery, but Gonzalez made a strong case to be someone who comes off the bench to add some offensive support.
