The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees, a team that experienced the heights of success early only to face significant challenges as the season progressed. Initially boasting the best record in the league through mid-June, the Yankees have been on a severe downturn ever since. Despite these setbacks, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects, highlighting that their odds are still comfortably over 90%.
Mid-Season Struggles
The Yankees’ offense has been a major concern throughout the season. DJ LeMahieu's struggles following his return from a spring-training foot injury have been particularly noticeable, with his OPS hovering around .500. The absence of Anthony Rizzo has also been felt, prompting Ben Rice to step in at first base. Additionally, the team ranks 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, underscoring a significant area of weakness.
At second base, however, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement, providing a rare bright spot in the infield. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo's ongoing struggles against left-handed pitchers continue to be a concern, as his performance has been abysmal not just this year but for the last three seasons.
The bullpen’s underwhelming strikeout rate has compounded the Yankees' difficulties, while starting pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also stumbled lately. Luis Gil is pushing into unfamiliar workload territory, and with Clarke Schmidt several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, the rotation remains in a state of flux.
Injury Woes and Depth Challenges
Injuries have hampered the Yankees’ depth significantly. Jasson Domínguez, who just completed his rehab from Tommy John surgery, immediately pulled his oblique. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, while Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren continues to struggle with a high ERA in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery. In contrast, Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, providing some much-needed hope for the future. Despite his struggles, Will Warren continues to have his share of fans, offering a glimmer of optimism.
Trade Deadline Strategy
This year marks an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, driven by Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades as the July 30 deadline approaches. Brian Cashman’s approach to the trade deadline could very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season.
"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," said Cashman.
Potential trade targets include the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to be sellers at the deadline. The Yankees’ history of making bold moves is well-documented, such as when they acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago despite him being in a walking boot at the time.
Optimism Amid Adversity
Cashman’s steadfast optimism in the face of adversity reflects a belief in the team’s underlying potential. The Yankees' management understands that their performance in the second half of the season will be crucial, and they remain committed to making the necessary adjustments to improve their chances.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees will undoubtedly be buyers, seeking to bolster their roster for a deep postseason run. Despite their numerous challenges, the organization remains hopeful that strategic acquisitions and internal improvements can propel them to success.
The 2023 season has indeed been a turbulent one for the Yankees, but their resilience and strategic planning provide a semblance of hope for fans and management alike. With Cashman at the helm, the Yankees are poised to navigate through these tumultuous times and aim for a strong finish to the season.