The Yankees No. 1 priority this offseason was signing Gerrit Cole — which they did to the richest contract ever bestowed to a pitcher, nine years, $324 million. Next on the docket was re-signing Brett Gardner.
With Aaron Hicks out of action until August as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, there’s no one the club trusted more to man centerfield than the 12-year veteran.
Yet despite leaving Luke Voit off the ALCS roster, the Yankees never seriously looked for an upgrade at first base. Because Didi Gregorius left for Philadelphia, Gleyber Torres will man shortstop as D.