The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees, a team accustomed to success but now facing unexpected challenges. Through mid-June, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league, setting high expectations among fans and analysts alike. However, since then, they have encountered a severe downturn, putting their postseason aspirations to the test.
Postseason Prospects
Despite the slump, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic. He believes the team's postseason odds, which are comfortably over 90%, reflect their true potential. As the July 30 trade deadline looms, Cashman has made it clear that the Yankees will be buyers, addressing key weaknesses in an effort to bolster their roster.
"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," Cashman stated.
Offensive Struggles
One of the most glaring issues for the Yankees is their offense. DJ LeMahieu has struggled significantly since returning from a spring-training foot injury, with his OPS (on-base plus slugging) hovering around a dismal .500. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in at first base for the injured Anthony Rizzo, presenting another area of concern.
The Yankees rank 24th among the 30 MLB teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, highlighting a need for improvement in that position. Additionally, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year, continuing a troubling pattern from the past three seasons. Gleyber Torres has been a bright spot, showing signs of improvement at second base, but it is clear that the team's offensive challenges are extensive.
Pitching Woes
The bullpen, traditionally a Yankees' strength, has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts this season. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also stumbled lately, further complicating the team's pitching landscape. To add to the woes, Luis Gil is entering an unfamiliar workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez, who recently completed Tommy John surgery rehab, pulled his oblique immediately after, adding yet another name to the list of injured players.
Farm System Setbacks
The Yankees' minor league system hasn't been immune to setbacks either. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, though he continues to have fans despite his ugly numbers. Meanwhile, Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery, and Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has emerged as a breakout star amid the turmoil.
Trade Deadline Strategies
This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office will likely pursue aggressive trades before the deadline, eyeing potential deals with the Marlins and Tigers, both expected to sell at the deadline. Cashman's ability to navigate the trade deadline effectively may define the outcome of the Yankees' season. The team's previous acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago serves as a reminder that impactful deals can happen under challenging circumstances.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Brian Cashman and his staff. Their decisions in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the Yankees' postseason destiny. Whether the team can recapture its early-season form remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Yankees are ready to fight for every opportunity to improve and succeed.