Why the Yankees will be baseball's next dynasty
In 2003, immediately after the New York Yankees were defeated by the Florida Marlins in Game 6 of the Fall Classic, Derek Jeter uttered this now famous quote:
"You don't just accidentally show up in the World Series."
Jeter's annoyance was palpable, as the late October loss was New York's second in three years, two removed from Arizona's incredible, Game 7 win.
Coming one win short of yet another World Series appearance, today's version of the Yankees should take Jeter's quote to heart. It wasn't meant to be this season, but New York's time isn't far off, and when they eventually march their way to multiple titles, it won't be by accident.
Here's why the Yankees will be the next dynasty:
An MVP candidate surrounded by talent
Aaron Judge's breakout caught everyone off guard, and at only 25 years old, the slugger has several productive years ahead. To put his rookie season into perspective, Alex Rodriguez was the last Yankees player to finish with more single-season WAR (9.6 in 2007) than Judge (8.2).
Judge aside, the Yankees possess an abundance of young and supremely talented players. Luis Severino took a major step this year, establishing himself as one of the best young starters in baseball. The acquisition of the controllable Sonny Gray helps a lot, too. Then you have 26-year-old Chad Green, you know, the reliever that posted 13.4 K/9 in 40 games this year.
Regardless of his limitations behind the plate, Gary Sanchez is as valuable a catcher as you'll find, while shortstop Didi Gregorius has proven to be a good replacement for no. 2 (his 9.7 WAR is fourth among qualified AL shortstops since 2015).
Despite losing some talented prospects in midseason trades, the Yankees still have a bountiful pipeline led by Gleyber Torres (baseball's no. 1 prospect prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery), proving there's no shortage of skill.
Money, Otani and Harper
The Yankees have very deep pockets. We know this. Here's the catch: They haven't had to spend much the last few years. CC Sabathia's $25-million salary comes off the books, and he was the club's most expensive player.
Behind him is Masahiro Tanaka who, at $22 million, has an opt out clause he can now exercise. Even if he stays, the Yankees are set financially. The club has paid the luxury tax 14 straight years, but entered the season looking at their lowest bill (just under $9 million) since 2003, a significant drop from the $27.4 million they payed in 2016.
The Yankees' glorious reputation might be enough to convince Japanese duel sensation Shohei Otani to follow in Hideki Matsui and Tanaka's footsteps. Money won't be the deciding factor in signing Otani - even he doesn't care about it, at least not yet. Regardless, the Yankees have a surplus of International bonus pool cash, and with it being, you know, New York, the heralded organization appears to be the most logical fit for the 23-year-old.
The point wouldn't be complete without mentioning the 2019 free-agent class, headlined by Bryce Harper. By then, the Yankees will have Starlin Castro, Brett Gardner, and Chase Headley (combined $37.5 million) off the books, so you connect the dots.
Easy road to the postseason
Of all the team's in the AL East, none are set up better for current and future success than the Yankees. The Red Sox will be competitive, but lack reliable starting pitching behind Chris Sale and have no top pitching prospects waiting in the wings.
The Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays are all coming off losing seasons. None are likely to pose a serious threat to the Yankees in in the next few years.
Outside the division, several AL teams aren't close to competing. The Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Oakland Athletics continue to rebuild, while the Kansas City Royals appear headed down the same path.
The Cleveland Indians, Astros, and potentially the Red Sox, are three AL teams that stand in the way, but with the future looking brighter than ever for the Bronx Bombers, it wouldn't be surprising to see them extract revenge on the Astros - or anyone, really - as early as next year.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)