As the 2023 season progresses, the New York Yankees are experiencing a whirlwind of highs and lows, a reflection of their unpredictable campaign. Once the frontrunners with the league's best record through mid-June, the Yankees have since found themselves grappling with a harsh downturn.
A Tough Road Ahead
Despite the recent struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team’s postseason prospects, with odds comfortably over 90%. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, Cashman has assured fans that the Yankees will be buyers, looking to strengthen their roster where needed. "We're gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things," he says. "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 Struggles
One of the most pressing issues facing the Yankees is their lackluster offense. DJ LeMahieu, a key player, has been a shadow of his former self since returning from a spring-training foot injury, currently hovering around a .500 OPS. Ben Rice has had to step in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, adding to the team’s offensive challenges. The situation at third base isn't any better, with the Yankees ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). While Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers continues to be abysmal, maintaining a three-season struggle.
Bullpen and Rotation Woes
The Yankees' bullpen has not lived up to expectations, particularly in terms of strikeouts. On the mound, Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, exacerbating the team’s pitching problems. Additionally, Luis Gil is venturing into unfamiliar workload territory, raising concerns about his sustainability over the long haul. Clarke Schmidt’s recovery from a lat strain is still several weeks away, leaving the Yankees shorthanded in their rotation.
Injury Bug Bites Hard
Injuries have further compounded the Yankees' difficulties. Jasson Domínguez, after completing his Tommy John surgery rehab, immediately pulled his oblique. In the minors, Spencer Jones holds one of the highest strikeout rates, and injuries have sidelined prospects like Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane for much of 2024. Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira required season-ending elbow surgery. However, there is a silver lining with Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge having a breakout year, and Warren still has his fair share of fans despite his unattractive numbers.
An All-In Moment
This year represents a pivotal "all-in" moment for the Yankees, given it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The urgency is palpable as the front office eyes aggressive moves before the trade deadline, seeing the Marlins and Tigers as potential trade partners since they are expected to be sellers. Brian Cashman’s navigation of the deadline is poised to play a crucial role in defining the Yankees' season.
Reflecting on their past moves, fans may recall when the Yankees acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, even while he was in a walking boot. Such bold moves illustrate the team's willingness to take risks to bolster their lineup.
The next few weeks will undoubtedly be critical for the Yankees as they seek to rebound from their mid-season slump and position themselves for a strong postseason run. With the trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on Brian Cashman and how he maneuvers to put the Yankees back on track.