For better or for worse, until a ligament does them part, the face of the Yankees is Masahiro Tanaka. It might be a great thing or it might be a sign of the franchise's decline.
The Yankees, in their transitional stage after Derek Jeter's retirement, may have their future hinge on how Tanaka's ulnar collateral ligament holds up. That is why he will be in the forefront of the Yankees' fortunes.
Who else could be the face of the Yankees?
It could be Alex Rodriguez, but that is more due to infamy these days. A-Rod may contribute this year, but he won't be an elite player again.
It could be Dellin Betances, but it is very unusual for the face of a franchise to be a closer, if he even ends up the closer. Even in Mariano Rivera's heyday, Jeter or A-Rod was always out front. So Betances, as great as he may become, probably won't receive top billing.
Besides Tanaka, the Yankees spent nearly a half billion last year signing Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran. For $153 million, you might think Ellsbury should be out front, but he is quiet and, frankly, it remains to be seen if he will star as a Yankee. McCann has the right demeanor to lead, but will need some major production to be in the conversation. Beltran is at the end of a fantastic career.
Michael Pineda or CC Sabathia could be considered as well, but they don't eclipse Tanaka. Pineda has to put together a full season and his rocky beginning as a Yankee nearly eliminates him. Sabathia hasn't pitched well for two seasons.
So, for good or for bad, that leaves Tanaka as the face of the Yankees.
