The 2023 season has been a whirlwind for the New York Yankees, marked by a dramatic mix of highs and lows. While the Yankees started off on a high note with the best record in the league through mid-June, the subsequent weeks have seen a significant downturn, yet the confidence within the organization remains steadfast.
Optimism Amidst the Struggles
Despite recent challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman is maintaining an optimistic stance regarding the Yankees' postseason prospects. With the team's playoff odds comfortably over 90%, there's a strong belief that the Yankees can turn things around. In the words of Cashman, "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."
This optimism comes with a clear direction as the Yankees approach the July 30 trade deadline. Cashman has reiterated that the Yankees will be aggressive buyers, aiming to bolster the roster to make a strong playoff push. This strategy is crucial, especially considering this year represents an "all-in" moment with Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team.
Offensive Woes
One of the critical areas in need of improvement is the Yankees' offense. The team has faced significant challenges here, with several key players underperforming. DJ LeMahieu, for instance, has struggled since his return from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, trying to fill the void left by Rizzo's absence.
Third base has been another weak spot for the Yankees. The team currently ranks 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at this position. Gleyber Torres, however, has shown signs of improvement at second base, offering a glimmer of hope for the infield.
Adding to the offensive struggles, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year and for the last three seasons, further highlighting the need for a revamp in the lineup.
Pitching Concerns
The pitching staff has not been without its issues. The bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, which is a significant departure from the dominant performance the Yankees' relievers are known for. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also been stumbling lately, compounding the team's woes on the mound.
Younger arms are also facing challenges. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, raising concerns about his effectiveness down the stretch. Additionally, Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, and the team is feeling his absence. Perhaps most disheartening is the case of Jasson Domínguez, who completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique immediately after.
Prospect Hurdles
The Yankees' farm system has not been spared from the injury bug either. Spencer Jones, one of the organization's top prospects, has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren's struggles in Triple-A, where he is battling to keep his ERA below 6.00, add to the concerns.
Promising prospects like Everson Pereira have faced setbacks as well, with Pereira recently requiring season-ending elbow surgery. On the bright side, Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, and Warren continues to have fans despite his ugly Triple-A numbers.
Trade Deadline Imperatives
This year's trade deadline will be crucial for the Yankees. Cashman and his team are expected to pursue aggressive trades, potentially targeting sellers like the Marlins and Tigers. The team's recent history of bold moves—such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago—suggests that big changes could be on the horizon.
"My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman stated, underscoring the urgency and the strategic planning underway.
As the Yankees navigate through a challenging season, the front office's decisions at the trade deadline could very well define the outcome of their 2023 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Bronx Bombers can reclaim their early-season form and solidify their place in the postseason.