The 2023 season for the New York Yankees has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. They started strong, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. However, the subsequent months have seen a severe downturn in their performance, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what changed so drastically.
Postseason Outlook
Despite the downturn, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects. The Yankees' odds of making it to the playoffs are comfortably over 90%, giving the front office reason to believe that their current woes can be turned around. "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. "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible."
Trade Deadline Strategies
As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the Yankees are positioning themselves as buyers, targeting teams like the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to be sellers. Cashman’s navigation of this crucial period may well define the outcome of the Yankees’ season. The front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades to address multiple areas that require immediate attention.
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, the Yankees have faced significant challenges. DJ LeMahieu has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, providing some stability but not the level of production the team needs. Additionally, the Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, indicating a deep-seated issue within the infield.
Gleyber Torres, however, has shown signs of improvement at second base, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak offensive landscape. On the other hand, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal this year and for the last three seasons, adding to the Yankees' woes.
Pitching Woes
The bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, a crucial metric for closing out games. Star pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, putting additional pressure on the rest of the rotation. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, raising concerns about his sustainability over the long season. Additionally, Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, further exacerbating the Yankees' pitching troubles.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have also plagued the minor league system. Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique immediately afterward, and Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, limiting the depth available to the major league squad. Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery. Amidst these challenges, lefty Brock Selvidge in Double-A has experienced a breakout year, offering a rare positive note.
High Stakes of 2023
This year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The pressure is on Brian Cashman and his team to make strategic moves that could salvage the season. The Yankees previously acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot two years ago, demonstrating their willingness to make bold decisions under pressure.
The Yankees' ability to navigate the upcoming trade deadline will be critical. Cashman's efforts to bolster the roster and address the team's many challenges will be watched closely, as fans hope for a turnaround in time for the postseason. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the 2023 season ends in triumph or disappointment for the New York Yankees.