The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Their journey started on a high, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. However, the Bronx Bombers have since faced a severe downturn, leaving fans and analysts puzzled about what lies ahead.
The Yankees' General Manager, Brian Cashman, remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects. With postseason odds comfortably over 90%, Cashman and his front office are preparing to be aggressive buyers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. "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," Cashman stated. This all-in approach is pivotal, especially as this year represents Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team.
Offensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, once a reliable player, has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. This is a far cry from the performance the Yankees were hoping for. Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, yet the overall production remains lackluster.
The third base situation isn't any brighter. The Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at that position, and Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been dismal both this year and over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres has shown some signs of improvement at second base, but it's clear that the team needs more consistent output from their infield.
Pitching Concerns
The Yankees' struggles aren't limited to their offense. The bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, which is a department they once excelled in. Starters like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling, causing concern as the season progresses. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, and the team is awaiting Clarke Schmidt's return from a lat strain, which is still several weeks away.
Injuries have plagued the team beyond the major league roster. Jasson Domínguez had completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, only to pull his oblique immediately after. Spencer Jones, a promising minor leaguer, has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, adding to the organization's woes. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of the 2024 season, and Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A. The recent season-ending elbow surgery for Everson Pereira further depletes the Yankees' depth.
Trade Deadline Decisions
As the July 30 trade deadline looms, Brian Cashman and his team know that their navigation of this crucial period could define the outcome of the Yankees' season. The front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades, with potential targets including the Marlins and Tigers, both expected to be sellers. This strategy aligns with their previous acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals, a move made despite Bader being in a walking boot at the time.
Despite the glaring issues, there are some bright spots. Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge has experienced a breakout year, and Will Warren continues to have fans despite his ugly Triple-A numbers. These glimpses of potential give the Yankees hope that reinforcements from within the farm system could make an impact.
This season’s outcome may well hinge on the upcoming trade decisions. Will the Yankees find the necessary pieces to bolster their roster, or will the challenges prove too great to overcome? Thus far, it is clear that the front office is prepared to leave no stone unturned in their quest to improve the team, setting the stage for a dramatic second half of the season.