The 2023 season has unfolded as a true rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Despite entering mid-June boasting the best record in the league, the team has since faced severe turbulence. Nevertheless, optimism remains high within the organization, as General Manager Brian Cashman maintains confidence in their postseason prospects.
With their postseason odds comfortably over 90%, the Yankees are gearing up to be buyers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. This season represents an "all-in" moment for the franchise, especially since it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades, potentially targeting the Marlins and Tigers, who are anticipated to be sellers at the trade deadline.
Offensive Woes
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge. DJ LeMahieu, struggling since returning from a spring-training foot injury, is hovering around a .500 OPS. Ben Rice has found himself filling in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, while the team ranks a disappointing 24th among the league's 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base. On a more hopeful note, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base.
Struggles and Setbacks
Outfielder Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been abysmal not only this year but for the last three seasons. Coupled with this, the Yankees' bullpen has struggled in terms of strikeouts, adding further strain to their campaign. Pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, and Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory.
Injuries have also plagued the Yankees' roster. Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, and Jasson Domínguez, having completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, pulled his oblique shortly thereafter. These setbacks have made the path to consistent performance even more challenging for the team.
Hiccups in the Minor Leagues
Even in the minor leagues, the Yankees have faced hurdles. Spencer Jones currently has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, while Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have missed significant time in 2024 due to injuries. Will Warren has struggled to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery. However, it's not all doom and gloom; Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, and Will Warren continues to have fans despite his tough numbers in Triple-A.
Trade Deadline Hopes
The upcoming trade deadline will be crucial for the Yankees. Reflecting on past decisions, the Yankees previously acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, even when he was in a walking boot. Cashman, whose navigation of the trade deadline may define the Yankees' season, hints at the breadth of their strategy. "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," Cashman said.
As the Yankees head into the latter part of the season, the moves they make in the coming weeks could spell the difference between capitalizing on their high postseason odds or reflecting on missed opportunities. The front office’s aggressiveness in addressing the team’s glaring weaknesses will be paramount, and fans will be watching closely to see if this rollercoaster season ends on a high note.