The New York Yankees have experienced a tumultuous 2023 season, marked by dramatic highs and concerning lows. Early indications suggested a dominant campaign as the Yankees held the best record in the league through mid-June. However, since then, the team has faced a significant slump, casting doubt over their postseason ambitions. Yet, General Manager Brian Cashman remains hopeful, citing the team's postseason odds as comfortably over 90%.
Cashman has reiterated his commitment to improving the team's roster 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," he stated, underscoring the Yankees' intent to be active buyers at the deadline.
Offensive Woes
One significant area of concern for the Yankees has been their offensive production. DJ LeMahieu's performance has markedly declined since returning from a spring-training foot injury, with his OPS hovering around .500. The absence of Anthony Rizzo due to injury has led Ben Rice to step in at first base, highlighting the team's depth issues.
The third base position has also been problematic, with the Yankees ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at this spot. While Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, Alex Verdugo's struggles against left-handed pitchers have persisted for the third consecutive season. These offensive challenges have compounded the Yankees' difficulties.
Bullpen and Rotation Struggles
The Yankees' bullpen has also underperformed, particularly in terms of strikeouts, a traditionally strong area for the team. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have faced their own struggles recently, contributing to the team's overall inconsistency on the mound.
Injuries have further complicated matters. Luis Gil is navigating an unfamiliar workload, while Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez's unfortunate sequence of health issues—completing Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique—adds to the Yankees' list of woes.
Minor League Developments
Within the Yankees' minor league system, several players have faced their own challenges. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren continues to struggle with maintaining a sub-6.00 ERA in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
However, not all is dire. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Despite his struggles, Will Warren retains a following of hopeful fans, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of player development.
Trade Deadline Strategy
This season represents a crucial period for the Yankees, with the presence of superstar Juan Soto on a one-year guarantee bolstering the necessity for a successful campaign. The front office appears poised to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline, with the Marlins and Tigers emerging as potential trade targets due to their expected selling position.
Past midseason moves serve as a testament to Cashman's willingness to take risks. The acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago is a case in point. Such bold moves could define the Yankees' season, as Cashman and his team's summer maneuvers take center stage.
Cashman's optimistic stance and strategic openness reflect the high stakes involved. The Yankees have the talent and resources to turn their season around, but the clock is ticking. How they navigate the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining their fate in the postseason race.