The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for the New York Yankees. Through the first half of the season, optimism soared as the Yankees boasted the best record in the league until mid-June. However, the journey since then has been marked by a severe and troubling downturn. Nevertheless, General Manager Brian Cashman maintains a hopeful outlook on the team's postseason prospects.
Challenges and Struggles
Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees' postseason odds remain comfortably over 90%. This determination has led the front office to adopt a purchasing stance as the July 30 trade deadline looms. One of the most significant hurdles the Yankees face is their underperforming offense, particularly glaring as they rank 24th in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base among the league's 30 teams.
The offensive woes are further exacerbated by DJ LeMahieu’s struggles since returning from a spring-training foot injury. Currently hovering around a .500 OPS, LeMahieu’s performance has been far from the reliable standard expected of him. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, providing some respite but not enough to elevate the team’s offensive struggles substantially.
Gleyber Torres, however, has shown signs of improvement at second base, providing a sliver of hope amidst the broader struggles. In contrast, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal, continuing a troubling trend seen over the last three seasons.
The bullpen has also faced scrutiny, particularly for its underwhelming strikeout rates, adding another layer of complexity to the Yankees' troubles. Both Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have hit rough patches recently, stumbling and failing to provide the solid performances the team desperately needs. Adding to the pitching challenges, Luis Gil is venturing into unfamiliar workload territory, while Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. In addition, emerging prospect Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab but immediately pulled his oblique, further complicating the Yankees’ bullpen situation.
Injury Woes and Minors Challenges
The injury woes continue to plague the Yankees beyond the major league roster. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, limiting his impact. Moreover, Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, disrupting their development. Will Warren is another prospect grappling with form issues, struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A. Further setbacks include Everson Pereira’s season-ending elbow surgery, adding to the long list of injured players.
Yet, it's not all bleak in the minors. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, providing a glimmer of hope and excitement for the future. Despite his struggles, Will Warren continues to have a fan following, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst a challenging season.
Trade Deadline Strategy
This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, primarily because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. As the trade deadline approaches, it’s anticipated that the front office, led by Brian Cashman, will aggressively seek to make crucial acquisitions. Historically, the Yankees have not shied away from bold moves, exemplified by their acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, even while he was in a walking boot.
Cashman’s strategy is clear yet open-ended as he states, "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." This approach underscores the Yankees' determination to seize any opportunity that could bolster their roster.
The front office will likely target trades with teams like the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to sell at the deadline. Cashman and his team’s navigation of the upcoming trade deadline could very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season, reflecting an intense period of decision-making and negotiation.
In summary, the Yankees’ season has been a mix of highs and lows, with a promising start giving way to numerous challenges. Yet, with an unwavering focus on the postseason and a proactive approach to the trade deadline, the Yankees remain hopeful. The coming weeks will be crucial as they strive to overcome their current difficulties and make a push for postseason success.