2022 is the year of New York Yankees' cult heroes. It began with Nestor Cortes dominating the competition on the mound. Then Jose Trevino made a name for himself as an All-Star catcher. But it is Matt Carpenter who is producing Barry Bonds caliber numbers for the Yankees.

Many believed Carpenter was washed up after laboring with the St. Louis Cardinals last year. But the New York Yankees took a chance on the veteran this season. They figured his left-handed swing would play well in New York. And it's safe to say that it has.

According to YankeesMuse on Twitter, Matt Carpenter is posting extremely similar production to what Barry Bonds accomplished in his 49-home run 2000 season.

Through Bonds' first 28 games of the 2000 campaign, he hit .338 with 11 home runs, 24 RBI's, and a 1.319 OPS. Carpenter has hit .284 with 11 home runs, 22 RBI's and a 1.087 OPS through his first 28 games on the New York Yankees. New York would have been content with a couple of home runs and a decent average at this point.

What Carpenter is doing is unprecedented without question.

He might not be a superstar, but Carpenter is going to be a key cog to the ignition moving forward. His offensive prowess and defensive versatility makes him an extremely useful asset for Aaron Boone. He likely won't maintain his Bonds-esque pace at the plate, but he will be important nonetheless.

There is no question that this New York Yankees cult hero has been vital to the team's winning ways. Matt Carpenter will look for continued success as the Yankees march toward October.