The 2023 season has been a tumultuous ride for the New York Yankees, reflecting highs and lows that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. With an impressive start, the Yankees dominated the league through mid-June, showcasing a strong roster and solid performances across the board. However, the team's fortunes took a nosedive as the season progressed, raising concerns among the Bronx faithful.
Optimism Amid Struggles
Despite the downturn, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects, maintaining confidence that their odds are comfortably over 90%. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, Cashman has made it clear that the Yankees will be buyers, aiming to fortify a lineup riddled with inconsistencies.
"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," stated Cashman.
Offensive Woes
One of the more significant challenges for the Yankees this season has been their offense. DJ LeMahieu, upon returning from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled mightily, his OPS lingering around a dismal .500. In addition, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, a role he's had to adapt to quickly.
The third base position has also been a sore spot, with the Yankees ranking 24th among 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Gleyber Torres, however, has shown signs of improvement at second base, a silver lining in an otherwise bleak offensive landscape.
Pitching Inconsistencies
The pitching staff has been another area of concern. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have faced considerable struggles recently, while Luis Gil is grappling with an unprecedented workload. Clarke Schmidt's return from a lat strain is still several weeks away, further straining the team's bullpen, which has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts.
Adding to the pitching woes, promising talents like Jasson Domínguez, who just completed Tommy John surgery rehab, and Spencer Jones, who boasts one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, face their own challenges. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have spent much of 2024 sidelined with injuries, and both Everson Pereira and Will Warren have had difficult seasons, with Pereira undergoing season-ending elbow surgery and Warren struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A.
Bright Spots and Future Moves
Amid these setbacks, Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has emerged as a breakout performer in the minors. Despite his Triple-A struggles, Will Warren continues to retain a fanbase hopeful for his resurgence.
This season represents a critical juncture for the Yankees, as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. This "all-in" moment drives the front office's likely aggressive pursuit of trades before the deadline. Teams like the Marlins and Tigers, expected to be sellers at the deadline, appear to be potential trade targets.
The Yankees' past acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals, even while he was in a walking boot, exemplifies their willingness to make bold moves. Cashman and his team’s maneuvers in these crucial weeks leading up to the deadline will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of the Yankees' season.
The journey ahead remains uncertain, yet one thing is clear: the Yankees are poised to leave no stone unturned as they navigate this high-stakes period, seeking to reignite their season and live up to their legacy.