Part 6/9:
This alignment—Quan in left, Dominguez center, and Aaron Judge in right—would vastly improve the Yankees’ defensive outlook, especially in left field, which is notoriously difficult to defend at Yankee Stadium. The defense-first approach could help mitigate the impact of aging or inconsistent bats, creating a more balanced and gritty lineup.
The Broader Context: Fitting the Pieces
Adding Quan wouldn’t just be about defense; his contact-oriented approach could diversify the Yankees’ offensive strategy. The team has long struggled with strikeouts, especially among power-heavy sluggers. McCarron emphasizes the Yankees’ perceived need to "duck from that" and prioritize ball-in-play contact.