The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees, marked by highs and lows that have left fans and analysts alike speculating about the team's future. Starting the season strong, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league through mid-June. However, what followed has been a significant decline, raising questions about the team’s ability to rise back to the top.
Postseason Prospects Remain High
Despite the mid-season slump, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' chances. "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 said, underlining the front office’s proactive stance. Indeed, the Yankees' postseason odds are still comfortably over 90%, a statistic that keeps hopes alive in the Bronx.
Challenges on the Offense
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, who returned from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled to find his form, currently hovering around a .500 OPS. Anthony Rizzo's absence has also been felt, with Ben Rice stepping in at first base. The team ranks 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, indicative of a position that has not lived up to expectations.
Even amid these struggles, there have been bright spots. Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, a positive development as the Yankees aim to solidify their infield. However, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers remains a point of concern, as it has been subpar not just this year but for the last three seasons.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees' bullpen has been another area of underperformance, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Significant pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, contributing to the team's inconsistent defensive showings. Luis Gil faces a new challenge as he enters unfamiliar workload territory, while Clarke Schmidt is still weeks away from returning from a lat strain. These issues compound the Yankees' pitching woes, making it essential for the front office to consider bolstering this area as the trade deadline approaches.
Injuries and Prospects
Injuries have also played a part in the Yankees' turbulent season. Jasson Domínguez's rehab from Tommy John surgery was disappointingly followed by an oblique injury. The minor leagues have not been untouched, either. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren is struggling with an ERA surpassing 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira has undergone season-ending elbow surgery.
However, bright spots exist within the farm system. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, and despite his current struggles, Will Warren continues to have a following. These emerging talents offer hope for the future, verifying the depth within the Yankees' farm system.
Trade Deadline Strategies
This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. Recognizing the significance, the front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades before the July 30 deadline. The Marlins and Tigers are potential trade targets as they are expected to sell, providing the Yankees with opportunities to strengthen weak spots.
Brian Cashman’s navigation of the trade deadline may well define the outcome of this season. The team's acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, even when he was in a walking boot, demonstrates the Yankees' willingness to take calculated risks. This upcoming trade deadline will likely see more of such strategic moves as the Yankees aim to regain their earlier momentum.
As the second half of the season unfolds, the Yankees will need to address these challenges head-on. Whether it's through strategic trades, player development, or overcoming injuries, the path to postseason success requires a multi-faceted approach.