The New York Yankees' 2023 season has been anything but steady, marked by striking contrasts and a slew of challenges that have left the team grappling for consistency. As they navigate the final stretch of the season, the Yankees remain optimistic about their postseason prospects despite recent struggles.
A Tale of Two Halves
Early in the season, the Yankees appeared unstoppable, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. However, their fortunes took a sharp downturn from that point onwards. Despite the recent slump, General Manager Brian Cashman has not lost hope. "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.
Indeed, the team's postseason odds remain comfortably over 90%, suggesting that a turnaround is possible. Cashman and the front office are gearing up to make some crucial moves as the July 30 trade deadline looms.
Offensive Struggles
One of the Yankees' most significant challenges this season has been their offense. DJ LeMahieu, who returned from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled to find his form, hovering around a .500 OPS. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, but the team's overall offensive output has been subpar.
A particular point of concern has been the third base position, where the Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). While Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been consistently disappointing over the last few seasons.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees' bullpen has also been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, further complicating their bid for consistency. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have had their share of stumbles lately, adding to the rotation's woes. Luis Gil is entering uncharted workload territory, which could impact his effectiveness down the stretch.
Injuries have also plagued the pitching staff. Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, and Jasson Domínguez, who recently completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, suffered an oblique pull immediately afterward. Similarly, Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, limiting their contributions.
Trade Deadline Strategy
With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are expected to be buyers, aggressively pursuing deals to bolster their roster. This season represents an "all-in" moment for the team, as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the Yankees. The front office is likely to explore trades with teams like the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to sell at the deadline.
Brian Cashman’s approach to the deadline will be crucial. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," he remarked. The team's ability to navigate these challenging waters may define the outcome of their season.
Prospects and Emerging Talents
On the brighter side, some of the Yankees' prospects have shown promise. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Meanwhile, Will Warren, despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, continues to have fans and could be a valuable asset down the line.
However, not all news on the prospect front is positive. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting the Yankees' depth.
As the Yankees head into the decisive months of the season, they face a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. With Brian Cashman at the helm, the team's strategy and execution in the coming weeks will be pivotal. The highs and lows of this rollercoaster season have set the stage for a dramatic conclusion, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the final chapters of 2023.