Houston Astros: Which AL Contenders Most Improved Team?

#7 New York Yankees

Jul 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Dustin Ackley (13) makes a catch of a ball hit by Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Additions

Dustin Ackley‘s 2015 stats: .212/ 6 HR/ 19 RBI/ 2 SB

Unlike previous seasons, the Yankees are back to their winning ways and had few holes on their roster. Thier team is older than some of the other teams, especially with the return of Alex Rodriguez to success. They had thoughts of adding to the bullpen but had little interest in trading prospects to improve the rotation, which is already crowded. What did the Yankees trade for, apparently a bat off the bench or late inning defensive replacement?

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The former second overall pick for the Seattle Mariners, taken after Stephen Strasburg in the 2009 draft, never really hit like he was supposed to. He was able to hit in the minors, but would not be able to find the same success in the majors. His original position was second base but was moved to the outfield when Robinson Cano was signed.

Ackley is exactly the player the Yankees traded for, someone to come off the bench and not an impact bat. Can the Yankees make it to the World Series with the team it had now? Yes, but Ackley did little to change their odds.

Fangraphs Playoff Projections

July 29th before trade: 94.2% chance of making the playoffs

August 1st after the trade: 91.7% chance of making the playoffs

Next: #6 Minnesota Twins

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