A Rollercoaster Season for the Yankees
The 2023 season for the New York Yankees has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After boasting the best record in the league through mid-June, the team has faced a severe downturn, leaving fans and management alike grappling with a myriad of challenges.
Early Success Followed by Struggles
The Yankees' roster, once heralded for their early-season performance, now grapples with numerous issues. General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects, confidently asserting that their odds are comfortably over 90%. Despite their current struggles, Cashman maintains a positive outlook. "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 said.
With the July 30 trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees are expected to be buyers, intent on bolstering their roster for a postseason push. This determination is propelled by the fact that this year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, primarily because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense remains a significant concern. DJ LeMahieu, struggling since returning from a spring-training foot injury, is hovering around a .500 OPS. Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, and Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base. However, the team ranks 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base. Additionally, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year and for the past three seasons.
Defensively, the Yankees are also facing challenges. Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, and Jasson Domínguez, who recently completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, pulled his oblique immediately afterwards. Adding to their woes, players like Luis Gil and Spencer Jones are entering unfamiliar workload territories, with Gil struggling to adapt and Jones dealing with one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors.
Pitching Predicaments
The Yankees' bullpen has been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, adding to the pitching concerns. Will Warren, despite his struggles to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, still has his share of fans. Meanwhile, rookies like Brock Selvidge have shone, with the Double-A lefty experiencing a breakout year. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, further limiting the team's pitching options.
Everson Pereira's season-ending elbow surgery has only exacerbated these challenges. In the midst of these issues, Cashman's moves at the trade deadline will be crucial. His navigation of this period may very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season, reminiscent of when the Yankees acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, despite the player being in a walking boot at the time.
Trade Deadline Outlook
As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees' front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades to fortify their roster. The Marlins and Tigers, expected to be sellers at the deadline, are potential trade targets for the Yankees. Cashman's approach will be to explore various options to enhance his team. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman remarked, highlighting the urgency and importance of the coming weeks.
The Yankees' season hangs in the balance, a collection of highs and lows that have challenged the team immensely. An "all-in" moment defined by Juan Soto's presence and an urgency to overcome recent struggles underpins the narrative of their 2023 campaign. With the trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on Brian Cashman and his ability to navigate the complexities of enhancing a team desperate to reclaim its early-season form.