It's been a turbulent 2023 season for the New York Yankees. Their journey has seen its fair share of highs and lows, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in the team's trajectory. Starting strong, the Yankees boasted the best record in the league through mid-June, reigniting hopes among their famously fervent fan base. However, a severe downturn since then has cast a shadow of doubt over their postseason aspirations.
General Manager Brian Cashman remains a beacon of optimism amidst the tumult. Despite the team's struggles, he is confident about their postseason prospects, which remain comfortably over 90%. "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 stated, underscoring his proactive approach as the July 30 trade deadline looms.
Challenges on the Offensive Front
The Yankees' offensive lineup has been a significant challenge this season. DJ LeMahieu, who returned from a spring-training foot injury, has been struggling and is currently hovering around a .500 OPS. The absence of Anthony Rizzo due to injury has seen Ben Rice stepping in at first base. Meanwhile, the team ranks 24th among 30 in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, a clear area of concern.
Amidst these troubles, there are glimmers of hope. Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster infield performance. However, Alex Verdugo's struggles against left-handed pitchers continue to be a sore point, extending over the past three seasons.
Pitching Woes and Injuries
The Yankees' bullpen has also left much to be desired in terms of strikeouts. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately, further complicating the pitching scenario. Young pitcher Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez, who had just completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, suffered a setback with an oblique pull.
The minor leagues haven't been spared from the injury bug either. Promising players like Spencer Jones, Chase Hampton, and Henry Lalane have been sidelined for much of 2024. Will Warren, despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, continues to have fans. Everson Pereira’s recent season-ending elbow surgery and Brock Selvidge’s impressive breakout year in Double-A offer a mixed bag of news from the minors.
The Trade Deadline: A Crucial Juncture
With Juan Soto in his only guaranteed year with the team, the Yankees recognize that this season represents an "all-in" moment. The front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades before the trade deadline. Two years ago, they acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot, pointing to their willingness to take calculated risks.
Potential trade targets include the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to be sellers. Cashman and his team’s navigation of the trade deadline may very well define the outcome of this rollercoaster season. The Yankees will be buyers as July 30 approaches, a stance that underscores their commitment to shoring up weaknesses and making a strong postseason push.
The 2023 New York Yankees are a team caught between promise and peril. As the trade deadline approaches, the decisions made in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this season ends in triumph or disappointment. Cashman's optimism and proactive stance offer a glimmer of hope, but the challenges ahead are undeniable. Yankees fans can only hope that the team’s moves in the next few weeks will turn their season around and lead to a deep postseason run.