It’s not that Tyler Austin isn’t as good as Greg Bird, the two simply have different skill sets. From what we remember about Bird’s show-stopping performances back in 2015 for the Yankees is that the sweet-swinging lefty is built for the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium. His approach at the plate lends itself to a higher rate of contact — better discipline equals a significant OBP and therefore more chance to drive in runs.
Having slugged five home runs in 90 at-bats last season, including a number of opposite field long balls, Austin proved his power legit.