The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Early in the year, the team boasted the best record in the league through mid-June, displaying dominance on both sides of the ball. Yet, since mid-June, the Yankees have encountered a severe downturn, causing much concern among their fanbase.
Postseason Prospects
Despite these struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects. The Yankees' postseason odds are comfortably over 90%, a reassuring figure for a team with championship aspirations. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the Yankees are positioning themselves as buyers, eager to make the necessary moves to secure their spot in October.
Offensive Challenges
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, once a reliable hitter, has struggled significantly since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. First baseman Anthony Rizzo's absence due to injury has forced Ben Rice to step in, adding another layer of uncertainty to the lineup.
Third base has been another weak spot for the Yankees, ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). On a brighter note, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, providing a glimmer of hope for an infield seeking stability. Unfortunately, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year and for the last three seasons, further compounding the team's offensive woes.
Pitching Troubles
The Yankees' bullpen has also been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have stumbled lately, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the consistency of the rotation. Luis Gil faces unfamiliar workload territory, adding another variable to the Yankees' pitching equation.
Moreover, Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, while Jasson Domínguez, who completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, has now pulled his oblique. In the minors, Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates, and injuries have plagued pitchers Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane for much of 2024. Will Warren struggles to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery.
Trade Deadline Strategy
Given the current circumstances, this year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, primarily because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline, with the Marlins and Tigers emerging as potential trade targets.
Yankees fans will remember when the team acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago despite him being in a walking boot. Such bold moves might be necessary again this year. Cashman, who has been at the helm during many critical junctures, mentioned, "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."
Outlook
Despite the myriad challenges, the Yankees aren’t shying away from their quest for postseason glory. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, providing some cause for optimism within the pitching staff. Furthermore, Will Warren continues to have fans despite his ugly Triple-A numbers, hinting at a potential turnaround.
As the season progresses, Brian Cashman and his team’s navigation of the trade deadline may very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. With an aggressive strategy and a willingness to make daring moves, the Yankees are poised to reassert themselves as they eye a deep postseason run.