The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. With their performance oscillating between peaks and valleys, fans and analysts alike are closely watching every move the team makes as they approach a critical juncture in the season.
A Tale of Two Halves
Starting the year with an impressive run, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league through mid-June. However, this period of dominance was followed by a severe downturn that has tested the team's resilience. Despite these challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees’ postseason prospects, with the team's chances comfortably over 90%. "We're gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things," Cashman stated. "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."
Offensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, who returned from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled to find his form, hovering around a .500 OPS. The first base position has seen Ben Rice stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo. Meanwhile, the team ranks 24th among the 30 in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, highlighting a key area of concern. Gleyber Torres has shown some signs of improvement at second base, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise difficult offensive landscape.
Even more concerning is Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers, which has been abysmal this year and for the last three seasons. This aspect of the team’s offensive struggles needs urgent attention as they head into the critical part of the season.
Pitching Woes
On the mound, the Yankees have faced their fair share of issues. The bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, an area crucial for closing tight games. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, compounding the team’s woes. Additionally, Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain.
The injury bug hasn't spared the team. Jasson Domínguez, who completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, immediately pulled his oblique. Spencer Jones is battling one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined for much of 2024, and Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A.
Trade Deadline Strategies
Given these challenges, the Yankees will be buyers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. The front office, under Cashman’s guidance, is expected to pursue aggressive trades to fortify the roster. "We're definitely going to be open-minded to a lot of different things," Cashman noted, hinting at a proactive approach in the trade market. The Marlins and Tigers, expected to be sellers at the deadline, are potential trade targets for the Yankees. Notably, Cashman previously acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot two years ago, a testament to his willingness to take calculated risks.
This season represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The outcome of Cashman and his team’s navigation of the trade deadline will likely define the Yankees’ trajectory for the remainder of the season and, potentially, their postseason fate.
In a year where injuries, underperformance, and instability have marred the Yankees' journey, the upcoming weeks will be crucial. Can the Yankees turn the tide, or will this season be remembered as a missed opportunity? As the trade deadline looms, all eyes are on the Bronx for the answers.