NEW YORK – There’s plenty of optimism in the Bronx, with 20-somethings Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird and Didi Gregorius returning to fight for another AL pennant in 2018.

Which other current players might fill out the bench, become ex-Yanks or join the fight by mid-season? Let’s examine:

Todd Frazier, 3B

As much as the Toms River resident bonded with this club, the free agent's pinstriped future is clouded by Chase Headley’s presence and by Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar pushing their way up.

2018 outlook: Explores multiyear contracts elsewhere.

Matt Holliday, DH

Received only one start (3 AB) during the playoffs. On a one-year deal, he paid dividends during a productive first-half. Illness impacted his second half, leading to a personally quiet end to 2017.

2018 outlook: Retirement or a one-year deal on another AL club.

Chase Headley, 3B-1B

Has one year and $13 million remaining on his four-year deal. Doesn’t seem likely they would move him to accommodate Frazier; has value as a corner infielder and occasional designated hitter.

2018 outlook: Playing time could be impacted by midseason call-ups, but finishes his Yankees contract.

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Starlin Castro, 2B

Could be time to explore a deal, with Torres on the way, though his trade appeal – he’s locked up for the next two seasons at $11 million per, and just turns 28 in March – makes him worthy of keeping.

2018 outlook: Yankees starting second baseman on opening day.

Brett Gardner, OF

GM Brian Cashman would need to have a compelling reason to move this heart-and-soul Yankee, with one guaranteed year left at $11 million and a 2019 club option for $12.5 million.

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2018 outlook: Yankees starting left fielder on opening day.

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

Trading Gardner to accommodate Ellsbury’s three years at $21 million per doesn’t make much on-field sense. And neither does keeping him around as a pinch-runner/pinch-hitter/sometime DH.

2018 outlook: Absorb the financial hit and move on. Would be best for both parties.

Clint Frazier, OF

Left off the playoff rosters due in part to a late-season oblique, Frazier could see a lot of playing time floating at all three outfield positions, providing breaks for Judge, Gardner and Aaron Hicks.

2018 outlook: On the opening day big-league roster.

Aaron Hicks, OF

Though the switch-hitter’s offense dipped sharply in October, Hicks presence as the everyday postseason center fielder appeared to speak volumes about the organization’s forward look.

2018 outlook: Yankees opening day center fielder.

Gleyber Torres, IF

Turns 21 in December, already hitting off a tee following reconstructive elbow surgery. Torres is expected to impact the big-league roster at some point next season.

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2018 outlook: Opens at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre unless an injury situation creates a need on the big-league club.

Austin Romine, C

His overall contributions in April, during Sanchez’s stint on the disabled list, provided a valuable boost to a club that quickly established itself as a contender.

2018 outlook: Defensive presence makes him ideally suited to retain role as Sanchez’s backup.

Ronald Torreyes, IF

Might go days and days without seeing an at-bat, but he’s been a trusty backup at three infield spots with a knack for barreling up pitches as either an occasional starter or off the bench.

2018 outlook: Returns as the Yanks’ utility infielder