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3 Most Overrated Players on the Yankees

By Scott Rogust

While the Yankees have a stacked roster, they do have some overrated players.
While the Yankees have a stacked roster, they do have some overrated players. / Elsa/Getty Images

Whenever the 2020 MLB regular season commences, the New York Yankees are going to be viewed as the overwhelming favorites to represent the American League in the World Series, and for good reason. This is a team that made the ALCS two of the past three years, and added stud pitcher Gerrit Cole to their already solid starting rotation.

Even on their stacked roster, though, you'll find some players that are a bit overrated and overhyped. Here are three that stand out.

3. Giancarlo Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton has yet to bring his MVP-caliber play to the Bronx.
Giancarlo Stanton has yet to bring his MVP-caliber play to the Bronx. / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Yankees made a bombshell trade to acquire then-NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins at the end of the 2017 season. The trade was viewed as a very one-sided, and frankly, unfair effort to add Stanton to a loaded Yankees batting order. Luckily for those who complained, Stanton has yet to live up to the hype in the Bronx. He showed promise in 2018, but he was hampered by numerous injuries last season, limiting him to just 18 games on the year. The woes stretched out into Spring Training this year, as he was diagnosed with a calf injury. To buck this stereotype, Stanton will have to stay on the field and, more importantly, play up to his high standards.

2. Adam Ottavino

Adam Ottavino was a liability for the Yankees in the playoffs.
Adam Ottavino was a liability for the Yankees in the playoffs. / Elsa/Getty Images

Prior to the 2019 season, the Yankees got a steal in signing former Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Adam Ottavino on a relatively team-friendly deal. Ottavino shined in the regular season, as he struck out 88 batters in 66.1 innings pitched, netting him a 1.90 ERA. But once New York entered the postseason, Ottavino was a total liability, as evidenced by his bloated 8.10 ERA and seven hits allowed in 3.1 innings of work. Ottavino felt the wrath of Yankees fans last fall, and it will only continue if he doesn't step up his game when the lights shine brightest.

1. Gary Sanchez

Gary Sanchez is the most polarizing player on the Yankees.
Gary Sanchez is the most polarizing player on the Yankees. / Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Gary Sanchez took the Yankees and their fan base by storm during his 2016 and 2017 campaigns. These past two years, however, the highly-thought-of catcher has entered a terrible slump. Sanchez's defense behind the plate is questionable, he's picked up the propensity to strike out in clutch situations, and more importantly, he's had difficulties staying on the field for a full season. This past season, Sanchez did notch 34 home runs and 77 RBI, but on a .232 batting average. Sanchez has felt the heat from the impatient Yankees fan base, and if he continues to struggle, it's only going to get hotter.