The 2023 season has been a tumultuous affair for the New York Yankees. Once heralded as the frontrunners with the best record in the league through mid-June, the Yankees now find themselves grappling with a steep decline that has raised questions about their postseason readiness. Despite the ongoing challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman remains upbeat about their postseason odds, currently sitting comfortably over 90%.
Challenges on the Offensive Front
One of the most glaring issues facing the Yankees is their struggling offense. DJ LeMahieu, who returned from a spring-training foot injury, has been unable to find his footing, posting an OPS around the .500 mark. Ben Rice has had to step in at first base, filling the void left by the injured Anthony Rizzo. At third base, the Yankees rank a disappointing 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Still, there are a few bright spots in an otherwise dim offensive landscape. Gleyber Torres has shown noticeable signs of improvement at second base. However, Alex Verdugo continues to struggle against left-handed pitchers, a trend that has persisted for the last three seasons.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees’ bullpen has also been a point of concern. It has failed to deliver in terms of strikeouts, contributing to the team's recent slump. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have both stumbled, adding to the pitching woes. Moreover, Luis Gil is entering uncharted workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from returning due to a lat strain.
The team’s injury list extends beyond just Schmidt. Jasson Domínguez, after completing rehab for Tommy John surgery, immediately pulled his oblique. In the minors, Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates, while both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have spent much of 2024 sidelined with injuries. Will Warren continues to command attention despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira has recently undergone season-ending elbow surgery.
Youth and Developmental Setbacks
Young prospects are facing their own hurdles. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has been a rare bright spot, experiencing a breakout year. However, the overall picture of the Yankees' farm system has been marred by injuries and underperformance.
Trade Deadline Strategies
The upcoming July 30 trade deadline represents a critical juncture for the Yankees, who are poised to be buyers. Brian Cashman’s approach to the deadline may well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. Reflecting on the importance of this period, Cashman stated, “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.”
This season represents an “all-in” moment for the Yankees largely because it is Juan Soto’s only guaranteed year with the team. Therefore, the front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades, keeping an eye on potential trade targets such as the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to be sellers at the deadline.
It's worth noting the Yankees' past strategic moves at the deadline, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago. Such aggressive and audacious decisions underline the high stakes and critical nature of this period for the team.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, the Yankees find themselves at a crossroads. With a mixture of underperforming veterans, a faltering bullpen, and a slew of injuries, the road to the postseason is fraught with challenges. Yet, the optimism surrounding their postseason odds and potential trade acquisitions leaves a door open for a positive turnaround. The coming weeks will be pivotal as Cashman and his team navigate the complexities of the trade market, seeking to bolster the roster for a deep postseason run.