The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Starting with an explosive performance early in the season, the Yankees held the best record in the league through mid-June. However, since then, the team has spiraled into a severe downturn, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong and what lies ahead.
Despite the setbacks, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects. "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." With postseason odds comfortably over 90%, the pressure is on Cashman and the front office to make strategic moves as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.
Offensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, a cornerstone of the lineup, has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, his OPS hovering around a dismal .500. First baseman Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo but has yet to fill the void effectively.
Third base has also been a weak spot, with the team ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at the position. While Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, the overall offensive inconsistency continues to plague the team. Additionally, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal, a trend that has persisted for three seasons.
Pitching Woes
The bullpen has been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts, leaving the team's defensive capabilities in a precarious state. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have both been stumbling lately, adding to the mounting concerns. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, which could further complicate the pitching staff's effectiveness. Clarke Schmidt’s absence due to a lat strain, with several weeks still needed for his return, exacerbates these issues.
The pitching struggles extend to the minor leagues as well. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and top prospects like Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024. Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery.
Silver Linings and Trade Deadline Strategies
Amidst the troubles, there are glimmers of hope. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, and Will Warren continues to have fans despite his ugly Triple-A numbers.
Cashman and his team understand that this season 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. Potential trade targets include the Marlins and Tigers, who are anticipated to sell.
Looking back, the Yankees made a similar gambit when they acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was still in a walking boot two years ago. Such bold moves could be what’s needed to turn the tide this season.
The Yankees' performance this season and their navigation of the trade deadline will likely define the outcome of their year. With the collective eyes of the baseball world watching, Cashman’s maneuvers could prove pivotal. “We’re gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things,” Cashman noted, encapsulating the high-stakes environment surrounding the Yankees as the trade deadline looms.
While the Yankees' journey this season has been fraught with setbacks, the potential for a turnaround remains. As the trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing the moves made by one of baseball’s most storied franchises.