The 2023 season has been nothing short of a dramatic tale for the New York Yankees. Riding high with the best record in Major League Baseball through mid-June, the team's fortunes have since taken a nosedive, leading to a series of hurdles on the path to postseason glory.
The Rise and Fall
At the heart of this turbulent season is General Manager Brian Cashman, who, despite recent setbacks, remains optimistic about the Yankees' chances. “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.
The numbers back up Cashman's confidence. Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees' postseason odds remain above a comfortable 90%. With the July 30 trade deadline looming, the team is gearing up to be major buyers, hoping to boost their chances for a late-season turnaround.
Offensive Struggles
One of the most pressing issues has been the Yankees' offense. DJ LeMahieu has not been himself since returning from a spring-training foot injury, with his OPS hovering around a dismal .500. Filling in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, Ben Rice has shouldered a considerable load, but the overall offensive production remains underwhelming.
The struggles extend beyond first base. The Yankees rank 24th out of 30 teams in terms of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, a glaring weakness they must address. Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has also been abysmal, a trend that has plagued him for three seasons now.
Bullpen and Rotation Woes
The bullpen, often a cornerstone of the Yankees' success, has been lackluster in strikeouts, further compounding the team's challenges. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also stumbled lately, adding to the mounting pressures on the pitching staff. Luis Gil is set to enter uncharted territory with his workload, while Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from returning from a lat strain.
Injuries have further decimated the roster. Promising talents like Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones have been sidelined, with Domínguez pulling his oblique just after completing Tommy John surgery rehab and Jones struggling with one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors. Meanwhile, Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have missed much of 2024 with injuries, and Will Warren is toiling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A.
Trade Deadline Strategy
With the trade deadline on the horizon, the Yankees' front office understands that significant moves are necessary. This year's pressure is heightened by the presence of superstar Juan Soto, as it represents his only guaranteed season with the team. “Brian Cashman and his team’s navigation of the trade deadline may define the outcome of the Yankees' season,” analysts have noted.
The Yankees are eyeing potential trades with the Marlins and Tigers, both expected to be sellers at the deadline. This aggressive approach is nothing new for Cashman, who previously acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while Bader was still in a walking boot. This kind of bold maneuvering is expected again as the Yankees look to plug their numerous holes and rekindle their early-season magic.
Young Stars and Future Prospects
Despite the current struggles, there are glimmers of hope among the younger players. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, is experiencing a breakout year, showing promise for future seasons. Everson Pereira's path was cut short due to season-ending elbow surgery, but his potential remains a talking point within the organization. Even with his ugly Triple-A numbers, Will Warren continues to have a fan base within the Yankees community, signaling a potential turnaround.
As the Yankees navigate this all-important period, the focus remains on addressing their deficiencies and ensuring a strong push for the postseason. While the road has been rocky, and the challenges are clear, the Yankees' determination to stay competitive and make strategic moves keeps their playoff dreams very much alive.
Ultimately, the next few weeks will be crucial in defining the 2023 season for the storied franchise. With Cashman at the helm, Yankees fans can hope for the team to right the ship and make a formidable run in October.