The New York Yankees, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, are no strangers to high expectations. Year after year, they’re expected to compete for championships, thanks to a roster brimming with talent, a deep pocketbook, and a dedicated fanbase. But despite their success, the Yankees’ roster has often been overshadowed by some of the game’s biggest stars, both current and past. Names like Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton dominate the conversation, but could it be possible that the Yankees are hiding a superstar in plain sight? A player whose full potential has yet to be realized? In this post, we’ll delve into the best and most underrated players on the Yankees’ roster—who may just be their secret weapon for the future.
The Power of Aaron Judge: The Face of the Franchise
Before we dive into the possible hidden superstars, let’s first acknowledge the elephant in the room: Aaron Judge. The 2022 American League MVP and the man who shattered Roger Maris’ single-season home run record, Judge is undeniably the face of the Yankees and the most recognizable name on the roster.
Judge’s combination of power, discipline, and defensive ability makes him a perennial MVP contender. His towering presence in the outfield and at the plate is often the first thing fans think of when discussing the Yankees. However, while Judge is one of the most well-known players in baseball, the team’s success in the years to come might hinge on players who are currently flying under the radar—or who have yet to reach their full potential.
The Yankees’ Best-Kept Secrets: Hiding Superstars in Plain Sight?
Now that we’ve covered Judge, let’s look at a few of the Yankees’ players who could be the real “secret weapons”—those who might not be getting the attention they deserve but could be the key to the team’s success in the coming seasons.
- Anthony Volpe: The Future of Shortstop
When the Yankees called up Anthony Volpe in 2023, there was a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the young shortstop. A product of the Yankees’ farm system, Volpe had been hailed as one of the organization’s top prospects for several years. In fact, many considered him to be the future face of the franchise—right alongside Judge.
Volpe’s MLB debut wasn’t without its growing pains, but the 22-year-old demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly in his speed and defensive skills. His baseball IQ, combined with his potential at the plate, makes him an exciting prospect. What has perhaps gone unnoticed is just how much he can contribute to the team’s success. Though he may not have dominated in his rookie year statistically, Volpe’s high ceiling could mean he’s poised for a breakout season as he matures into his role.
The Yankees have had a long history of star shortstops, from Derek Jeter to the recently retired Troy Tulowitzki, and Volpe has the potential to carry that legacy forward. His bat speed and ability to get on base could make him a key cog in the Yankees’ lineup, and as he gains more experience, he could become one of the league’s premier shortstops.
Why He’s a Secret Weapon: Volpe’s star hasn’t fully materialized yet, but as he continues to refine his game, he could become one of the most dynamic shortstops in the league. If he continues to develop his bat and refine his fielding, Volpe could emerge as a key piece in the Yankees’ championship aspirations for years to come.
- Nestor Cortés: The Underrated Ace
When discussing the Yankees’ pitching staff, names like Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino often dominate the conversation. But one of the most underappreciated pitchers on the roster is Nestor Cortés. The crafty lefty has quietly emerged as one of the most reliable starters in the rotation, despite flying under the radar compared to some of the big names in the league.
Cortés is not your traditional ace. He doesn’t throw 100 mph fastballs or have overwhelming stuff like Cole. Instead, he relies on his finesse, mixing speeds, changing arm angles, and keeping batters off balance. His unique approach has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing hitters. In 2022, Cortés finished the season with an impressive 2.44 ERA and a strikeout rate of nearly 9.5 K/9 innings, earning an All-Star selection.
What makes Cortés so effective is his ability to outperform expectations. His stuff may not be the flashiest, but he has a mastery over his pitch selection and an innate ability to get key outs in big moments. As the Yankees’ rotation continues to evolve, Cortés could be the steady force that keeps the team in contention year after year.
Why He’s a Secret Weapon: While Cortés may not be a household name in the same way that Gerrit Cole is, his ability to dominate in high-leverage situations makes him a critical piece of the Yankees’ future. If Cortés can stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level, he could be a difference-maker for the Yankees in the postseason, particularly in tight series where his poise and guile can give him an edge.
- Jasson Domínguez: The Next Big Thing
Jasson Domínguez, the Yankees’ highly touted outfield prospect, has been generating a ton of buzz ever since he signed with the team as an international free agent in 2019. Known as “The Martian” because of his otherworldly skills, Domínguez was expected to take some time to develop in the minors before reaching the big leagues. However, in 2023, he burst onto the scene much earlier than expected, showing that he’s ready for the spotlight.
Domínguez has all the tools to be a superstar. He’s a switch-hitter with explosive power, elite speed, and exceptional defense. Scouts rave about his baseball instincts and his ability to handle pressure, suggesting that he could develop into one of the best players in the game. Domínguez’s potential is sky-high, and while he may have a few bumps along the way as he adjusts to MLB pitching, the ceiling for this young star is nothing short of a future MVP candidate.
Why He’s a Secret Weapon: Domínguez may not yet be a consistent contributor at the MLB level, but his ceiling is through the roof. If he can continue to refine his approach at the plate and stay healthy, Domínguez could very well emerge as the Yankees’ next superstar. He has the potential to be a five-tool player, and with the right development, he could be the missing piece in the Yankees’ future title runs.
- Gleyber Torres: A Forgotten Star in the Making
Gleyber Torres is another player who may not be getting the recognition he deserves. When he first arrived with the Yankees in 2018, Torres was hailed as one of the most promising young stars in the league. His ability to hit for power and average, combined with his solid defense, made him an immediate fan favorite.
However, in recent seasons, Torres has faced criticism for his inconsistency. He’s had his ups and downs at the plate, with some fans questioning whether he could live up to his potential. Yet, in 2023, Torres showed signs of getting back to his 2019 form, hitting .268 with 24 home runs and a solid on-base percentage. More importantly, he remains one of the best defensive second basemen in the league, with a strong arm and excellent range.
Why He’s a Secret Weapon: Torres’ ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively makes him a key piece of the Yankees’ future. If he can regain his All-Star form and provide the Yankees with consistent offense from the middle of the lineup, Torres could be the hidden gem that elevates the team to championship contention.
- Oswald Peraza: The Stealthy Shortstop
Another player to watch is Oswald Peraza, the Yankees’ top shortstop prospect. While much of the attention has been on Anthony Volpe, Peraza has quietly developed into one of the most promising young infielders in the system. His defense is impeccable, and his offensive game is starting to show signs of breaking out. Peraza may not have the same level of hype as Volpe, but he is ready to make an impact at the MLB level.
Why He’s a Secret Weapon: Peraza’s defensive abilities and potential at the plate could give the Yankees flexibility in their lineup, whether at shortstop or second base. If he can take the next step offensively, Peraza could become a crucial piece for the Yankees, either as a starter or as a valuable trade chip.
Final Thoughts: The Yankees’ Bright Future
The New York Yankees may be hiding a superstar—or several—in plain sight. With players like Anthony Volpe, Nestor Cortés, Jasson Domínguez, Gleyber Torres, and Oswald Peraza, the Yankees have a deep well of talent that could propel them to the top of MLB for years to come. These players may not be in the spotlight as much as Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton, but they all have the potential to be the difference-makers who lead the team to future championships.
As the Yankees continue to build their roster and refine their team chemistry, it’s clear that the next generation of superstars is already here. While it might take time for some of them to fully emerge, the future is looking bright in the Bronx, and these hidden gems could be the secret weapons that help the Yankees claim their next World Series title.
