The 2023 season for the New York Yankees has been nothing short of a tumultuous ride, marked by significant highs and concerning lows.
Early Season Dominance
The Yankees started the year with immense promise, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. Fans and analysts alike were hopeful that the team would maintain this stellar performance. However, the months following mid-June painted a different picture as the Yankees faced a severe downturn that left many questioning the team's postseason viability.
Challenges and Optimism
Despite the recent struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects. Highlighting a postseason odds calculation comfortably over 90%, Cashman reassures fans that the season is far from lost. "We're gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things. I'm not going to point out anything specific, but we definitely have areas to improve upon, and we'll do our best to do so," Cashman said, emphasizing the front office's commitment to strengthening the team.
Trade Deadline Strategy
As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, it's clear the Yankees will be active buyers, seeking to bolster their roster for a strong postseason run. The front office will likely pursue aggressive trades, particularly with teams expected to sell, such as the Marlins and Tigers. This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, given that it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The navigation of this pivotal trade deadline by Cashman and his team could define the outcome of the Yankees' season.
Offensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge. DJ LeMahieu, once a reliable offensive force, has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, with his OPS hovering around .500. Additionally, Ben Rice has had to step in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, adding another layer of complexity to the lineup. The third base position has also been problematic, with the Yankees ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at that position. On the brighter side, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, providing a glimmer of hope amidst broader struggles. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been notably poor this year and over the last three seasons.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees’ bullpen has also been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, struggling to deliver when the team needs it most. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have not been immune to difficulties either, stumbling lately and adding to the pitching staff's woes. Furthermore, young pitcher Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, adding uncertainty to his contributions. The rotation depth has been hit hard, with Clarke Schmidt still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain.
Injury Bug Bites
The injury bug has plagued the Yankees this season, creating numerous challenges. Promising prospect Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to suffer an oblique injury immediately afterward. Another young talent, Spencer Jones, has also faced difficulties, recording one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors. Additional setbacks include Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane, who have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, and Everson Pereira, who recently required season-ending elbow surgery.
However, not all news from the injury front has been grim. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, and despite his ugly Triple-A numbers, Will Warren continues to garner fans, showing potential for future contributions.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Yankees' fortunes will likely hinge on how effectively the team addresses its current challenges. With the right moves and a bit of luck, they could still make a deep postseason run. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman noted, underscoring the proactive approach the Yankees plan to take in the coming weeks.
The season remains a critical period for the Yankees, and their actions in the immediate future will be closely scrutinized. With a fervent fanbase hungry for success, the stakes are undeniably high as the team strives to navigate its way back to the top.