The 2023 season has been a chaotic affair for the New York Yankees, reflecting a mix of tremendous highs and concerning lows. Despite holding the best record in the league through mid-June, the team has experienced a dramatic decline since then, causing notable anxiety amongst fans and analysts alike.
General Manager Brian Cashman remains a beacon of optimism amid the turmoil. "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," Cashman stated in a recent interview. His confidence isn't without foundation; the Yankees' postseason odds are still comfortably above 90%, a testament to their early-season performance and enduring potential.
Trade Deadline Strategy
With the July 30 trade deadline looming, the Yankees are expected to be active buyers in the market. The necessity to reinforce the roster is palpable, particularly given their offensive struggles. The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge, marked by DJ LeMahieu's struggles since returning from a spring-training foot injury, resulting in a disappointing .500 OPS.
First baseman Ben Rice has been filling in for the injured Anthony Rizzo, but other positions have also been problematic. The Yankees rank 24th among 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, demonstrating a clear need for improvement. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of resurgence at second base, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak offensive landscape. Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year and for the last three seasons, adding another layer to the Yankees’ hitting woes.
Pitching and Injury Challenges
The Yankees' issues aren't confined to the batter's box. The bullpen has underperformed in terms of strikeouts, and prominent starters like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have stumbled lately. Luis Gil is venturing into unfamiliar workload territory, which could spell trouble as the season progresses. Compounding these issues, Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, further thinning the pitching staff.
Injury woes extend to promising young talents as well. Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique immediately after. Spencer Jones faces one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, while Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined for much of 2024 with injuries. Even in Triple-A, prospects like Will Warren are struggling to keep their ERAs below 6.00, and Everson Pereira’s season-ending elbow surgery has further depleted the Yankees' depth.
Bright Spots and Trade Prospects
Amidst the struggles, there have been some bright spots. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has had a breakout year, providing a silver lining for the Yankees' pitching prospects. Additionally, despite Will Warren's ugly Triple-A numbers, he continues to have a dedicated group of supporters.
This season represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, particularly given that it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline, eyeing potential deals with teams like the Marlins and the Tigers, who are likely sellers at the deadline. The Yankees' previous trade for Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot exemplifies their willingness to take calculated risks.
Cashman's strategic navigation of the trade deadline will likely define the trajectory of the Yankees' season. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman remarked, highlighting the sense of urgency within the organization.
As the Yankees approach the critical trade deadline, the pressure to make impactful moves is mounting. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, keen to see if the team can reignite their early-season dominance and secure a formidable position in the postseason.