The Yankees 2023 Rollercoaster Season
The 2023 season has seen the New York Yankees navigating a tumultuous path, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Early success gave way to unexpected challenges, and the journey from the league’s top spot to battling adversity has been nothing short of dramatic.
Promising Start, Severe Downturn
Through mid-June, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league, setting high expectations for the season. However, since then, the team's performance has taken a significant downturn, challenging their standing and shaking fans' confidence.
Despite the struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman maintains a positive outlook regarding the Yankees' postseason prospects. The team’s odds of making it to the postseason remain comfortably over 90%, underscoring the resilience and potential still inherent in the roster.
Trade Deadline Strategies
With the July 30 trade deadline looming, the Yankees have firmly positioned themselves as buyers. Cashman has expressed an open-minded approach toward improving the team. "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," he said. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible."
This aggressive approach is partly influenced by the fact that this year is viewed as an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, largely because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is likely to pursue bold trades, potentially looking at teams such as the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to sell at the deadline.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
One of the most pressing issues for the Yankees this season has been their offensive struggles. DJ LeMahieu, a key player, has been underperforming since returning from a spring-training foot injury, with his OPS hovering around a dismal .500. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, but the gap left by Rizzo is palpable.
The Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, highlighting another area of concern. On a brighter note, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, offering a glimmer of hope amid the challenges.
In the outfield, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal not only this season but also for the past three years. Such deficiencies contribute to the broader offensive woes faced by the team.
Pitching Woes and Injury Concerns
The Yankees' bullpen has also been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have hit rough patches recently, adding to the pitching staff's challenges.
Further compounding the team’s troubles are the injuries. Luis Gil is stepping into unfamiliar workload territory, hinting at potential overuse issues. Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from making a return from a lat strain, further straining the pitching rotation.
Adding to the injury woes, Jasson Domínguez, after completing his Tommy John surgery rehab, pulled his oblique immediately, sidelining him once again. In the minors, Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates, while pitchers Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined for much of 2024.
Prospects also face challenges; Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently underwent season-ending elbow surgery. Despite Warren’s struggles, he continues to have fans hoping for a turnaround.
Bright Spots Amid Challenges
Not all is bleak for the Yankees. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A left-hander, has enjoyed a breakout year, providing a silver lining amid the farm system’s struggles. The promising performance of Torres at second base also adds a positive note.
Looking Ahead to the Trade Deadline
The outcome of the Yankees' season might very well hinge on the moves made before the trade deadline. Brian Cashman and his team’s ability to navigate this critical period could define not just the remainder of the season but also the team's long-term prospects.
Two years ago, the Yankees acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot, demonstrating their willingness to make bold moves. This deadline could see similar strategies, with an aggressive push to secure the pieces necessary for a postseason run.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely, as the Yankees' pursuit of improvement reaches a crucial juncture.