The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Early success gave way to a significant downturn, leaving both fans and the front office navigating a maze of optimism and concern. Through mid-June, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league, hinting at a potentially dominant season. However, since then, the team has faced a severe downturn that has left their postseason ambitions in question.
Postseason Prospects and Trade Deadline Strategies
Despite recent struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects, noting that their odds remain comfortably over 90%. This confidence underpins the Yankees' strategy as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. Cashman, known for his willingness to make bold moves, indicated that the Yankees will be buyers: "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."
The front office's aggressive approach likely stems from the recognition that this year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, especially considering it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The Marlins and Tigers are potential trade targets, as both are expected to be sellers come the deadline.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu's struggles following a spring-training foot injury have been notable, with his OPS hovering around .500. The team also faces issues at first base, where Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo. Their ranking of 24th among 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base further underscores the offensive woes.
Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, offering a glimmer of hope amid the broader struggles. However, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers continues to be abysmal, mirroring a troubling trend over the last three seasons.
Pitching Problems
Pitching has also been an area of concern. The Yankees' bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, which has further complicated their recent rough patch. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling, showing inconsistencies that have hurt the rotation's overall performance. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, raising questions about his endurance as the season progresses. Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, adding to the pitching staff's woes.
In the minors, the situation is equally troubling. Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique immediately. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and pitchers Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren continues to struggle in Triple-A, fighting to keep his ERA below 6.00, while Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery. On a positive note, Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge has experienced a breakout year, providing a rare highlight in the Yankees' farm system.
The Path Forward
The Yankees' season has come to a crucial juncture, one that will likely define their year. Cashman's navigation of the trade deadline could be the determining factor in whether the team can overcome its current challenges. He may look to emulate past strategies, like the acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, to bring in talent that can make an immediate impact.
As the Yankees gear up for what promises to be a frenetic lead-up to the trade deadline, fans are left to wonder whether the team can regain its footing and secure a playoff spot. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking for New York's front office to make the moves that could salvage a season fraught with both promise and peril.