The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Beginning with a stellar record through mid-June, the team seemed poised for a dominant run. However, a severe downturn since then has brought significant challenges, testing the resilience of both the players and the management.
Despite the struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects. With their playoff odds comfortably over 90%, the Yankees are looking to solidify their position as buyers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. Cashman emphasized, "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."
Offensive Woes and Injuries
The Yankees' offensive challenges have been a significant setback. DJ LeMahieu, once a reliable hitter, has struggled to find his form since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has had to step in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, putting additional strain on the roster.
Third base has been particularly problematic, with the team ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for the position. However, there are some bright spots, such as Gleyber Torres, who has shown signs of improvement at second base. On the flip side, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been consistently abysmal this season and for the past three seasons.
Pitching Struggles
The Yankees' bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, which has added to their woes. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also been stumbling, adding pressure on the pitching staff. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, which adds another layer of uncertainty as the season progresses.
Further complicating matters is the injury to Clarke Schmidt, who is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Promising young talent Jasson Domínguez completed his rehab from Tommy John surgery, only to pull his oblique immediately afterward. Additionally, Spencer Jones boasts 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. In Triple-A, Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00.
Trade Deadline Strategy
Given the numerous challenges, the upcoming trade deadline represents a critical juncture for the Yankees. This year is particularly significant as it represents an "all-in" moment, being Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades to bolster the roster, with potential targets including the Marlins and Tigers, both anticipated to be sellers at the deadline.
Looking back, Cashman has a history of making bold moves, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago while he was still in a walking boot. These moments highlight Cashman’s willingness to take calculated risks to improve the team. The upcoming deadline will likely see similar aggressive moves aimed at turning the season around.
Young Talent and Future Prospects
Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, offering hope for the future even as the team faces immediate challenges. Everson Pereira, however, recently required season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the ranks of promising young talent.
Meanwhile, Will Warren continues to have fans despite his current struggles in Triple-A, suggesting that there is potential for him to contribute in the future. The Yankees’ ability to navigate these injuries and develop young talent will be crucial as they look to maintain their competitive edge.
As deadlines loom and the postseason approaches, the New York Yankees find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The ability of Brian Cashman and his team to navigate these turbulent waters may well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. Their strategy and decisions in the upcoming weeks will be closely watched, as fans and analysts alike speculate on the moves that will shape the Yankees' immediate and long-term future.