The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees, a team that saw unparalleled highs and debilitating lows.
Strong Start, Dramatic Decline
The Yankees were flying high with the best record in the league through mid-June, igniting hopes of a spectacular season. However, since mid-June, the Yankees have faced a dramatic downturn that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects, reinforcing a sentiment of hope within the organization. He asserts that the Yankees' postseason odds sit comfortably above 90%, a figure that suggests faith in their ability to rebound and make a significant push.
Looking Toward the Trade Deadline
With the July 30 trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees have made it clear that they will be buyers, looking to shore up weaknesses and bolster their roster. "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. My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," said Cashman, a statement that underscores his strategic and proactive approach.
The Yankees' offense, however, remains a divisive issue. DJ LeMahieu has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, barely managing a .500 OPS. Ben Rice has stepped in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, but the offensive challenges extend beyond individual players.
Struggles In Key Positions
At third base, the Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a glaring weakness they are likely keen to address. Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, offering a glimmer of hope amid the overall struggling lineup. Yet, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been nothing short of abysmal this year and over the past three seasons.
The bullpen has also been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, key contributors, have been stumbling of late, further exacerbating the team's pitching woes. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already precarious situation.
Injuries and Uncertainties
Injuries have plagued the Yankees throughout 2023. Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Promising talent Jasson Domínguez just completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, only to pull his oblique immediately afterward. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones continues to struggle in the minors with one of the highest strikeout rates. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined for much of 2024, leaving the pitching depth paper-thin.
Will Warren has labored to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and young outfielder Everson Pereira recently had season-ending elbow surgery. In this sea of injuries, Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge's breakout year is a rare bright spot, and Warren, despite his unattractive Triple-A numbers, still has his supporters.
Trade Scenarios
This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, primarily because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline with the aim of solidifying their roster for the postseason. The Marlins and Tigers are potential trade partners, expected to sell at the deadline, offering opportunities for the Yankees to acquire much-needed reinforcements.
Cashman’s history of making bold moves, like the acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot two years ago, suggests that fans should brace for significant changes. His navigation of the trade deadline this season may well define the outcome of the Yankees’ campaign.
As the Yankees push toward what they hope will be a resurgent second half, the pressure will be on Cashman and his team to make the right moves and address the glaring issues that have marred an otherwise promising season.