2021 MLB Showdown Set -- New York Yankees

 By popular demand, next up is the 2021 New York Yankees! The 2021 squad had to have disappointed fans with its quick postseason exit in the AL Wild Card game after a 92-70 season, but I think baseball fans at large enjoyed the dramatic race for the wild card in the AL East down the stretch. Also, I'm 95% certain that this was the first time since baseball went to six divisions that a single division had FOUR 90+ win teams in one division, that being the 2021 AL East. This version of the Yankees may lack the firepower offensively that we've seen in recent years, but they have some solid On-Base (makes sense for the last team in the AL in swing rate in 2021) guys that I'm sure will be drafted.... plus, as always, some cool foils in Judge and Cole! I'll add that it was neat seeing guys like Rizzo and Gallo get cards for a  new franchise, especially the most iconic in our game.

A-Rod may not have been a Hall of Famer this year, but his 2007 card is one of the best 3B options from this century!

Lineup: An unfortunate down year for LeMahieu ends up being a positive for budget conscious managers, who can get a multi-positional OB 8 for a mere 150 points -- shades of "Mark Loretta" for DJ! I have to say, it's fun to see these Rizzo and Gallo cards for NYY. They're not spectacular OB 8 hitters, but they can be solid 5/6 hole hitters in a 5000 pt league. Obviously the guys that will draw eyes earlier in the draft are Judge and Stanton. Giancarlo is a risk as an OB 8, but for only 330 pts you can roll out that 16-20 HR range in your cleanup spot. Judge is the more complete player, especially with CF eligibility this season, but he's still better suited to be an elite COF with 17-20 HR pop on his OB 9 card. The rest of the lineup is rough to see, although Torres also put together a draftable/affordable OB 8 card as a SS/2B option. 

Bench: A lot to be desired from Clint after his OB 10 card in the short 2020 season. Let's hope he finds new life on his next squad. Miguel Adujar proving the Brewers right in not giving up Josh Hader for him. Meanwhile, Tyler Wade is going to be a popular target -- OB8 with multi-position and speed A, someone is going to hit him leadoff or 9th and be thrilled with what they get for 190 points.

Rotation: The Yankees rotation is led by their $324 million man, Gerrit Cole, who came oh-so-close to winning his first New York Cy Young in 2021... but this isn't horse shoes or hand grenades, so he'll have to settle with a 550 pt, no doubles Tier 2 card that I'm sure Yankees fans will love to utilize! After Cole is a trio of serviceable Tier 3 arms, but they're all Control 3. Then we've got trade deadline addition Andrew Heaney, who drops from his C4, 1-16 out "trade deadline special" card to a disappointing C2, 1-17 guy with only 4 IP. There is a final bright spot though -- Cortes Jr. and his incredible mustache bring a Tier 2, Control 5 card to the set! Low IP makes him very affordable and perfect for a heavy bullpen build as the ace.

Bullpen: Thanks to that stretch where Chapman absolutely fell apart, this is easily his worst card in recent memory (ever?). Control 2, 1-17 out... that's a Tier 4! However, he's still a 170 point card because he doesn't give up any hits off his own chart -- use at your own risk! Chad Green with another stellar Tier 2 card, no surprise. The LL gang gives them an additional pair of Green-like Tier 2, C4 guys. Overall, big step down from the other bullpens and what we saw from the Yankees in 2017/2018/2019.

Overall: The Yankees had a disappointing year for their rightly high standards and this showdown team reflects it. The players come in at 6090 points! Any players here that disappointed you or that you're guessing will bounce back in 2022? Or any players who had down years that made them more draftable? I hope so, I know I like seeing affordable DJ to help with my drafting flexibility in cap-space and options at 2B/1B! However, this team is a clear step down in "team v. team" play from SF, ATL and HOU.