With the first Spring Training game action less than two weeks away, the New York Yankees are confident with their group of young talent and savvy veterans, however a few new faces should get fans excited for this season.

Although New York did not land either of the top free agents in this year’s class in the likes of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, they did have what most would consider very productive offseason. Their off-season moves included resigning players such as Zack Britton, Brett Gardner, J.A. Happ and C.C. Sabathia, while trading for LHP James Paxton and signing free agents such as relief pitcher DJ LeMahieu, Adam Ottavino and Troy Tulowitzki.

.Pitchers and catchers reported on February 13, while position players reported on February 18. Yankee fans will be happy to see the second year players Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar arrive for camp as both are coming off outstanding 2018 seasons in which they were both finalists for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Their big offseason move of a year ago, Giancarlo Stanton, is seeking to avenge his rocky first season in pinstripes. Despite hitting 38 home runs and driving in 100 runs, the home faithful was not  impressed with him last season. Heading into his second season, Stanton is leaning on the increased familiarity of playing in the American League to help surge his numbers back to his 2017 NL MVP form.

Another interesting story coming from Spring Training are the signings of DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki.  Yankees GM, Brian Cashman has said that the club has a strong commitment level to try Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop, which is a gamble on the 35 year-old, former all-star shortstop who is injury prone and hasn’t played a full season since 2016. That likelyness of a Tulowitzki injury leaves the window for LeMahieu to have an impact at both middle infield positions in addition to third base.

The latest news out of Yankees camp revolves around two members of the pitching staff. On Feb. 15 the Yankees and starting pitcher Luis Severino came to an agreement on a four-year contract extension worth $40 million with an option for a firth year  for another 4-years with a team option for the fifth year. The deal has the potential to take Severino through his age 29 season. The next day, 38-year old southpaw, C.C. Sabathia announced that the 2019 season, his 19th big league season and 11th with New York, would be his last as he will be retiring at season’s end.