The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees, marked by a dynamic and unpredictable trajectory. Early in the season, the Yankees were on a high, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. However, since then, the team has faced a severe downturn, putting their postseason prospects into question.
Despite the challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic. He noted, "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."
Postseason Chances and Trade Deadline Strategy
The Yankees' postseason odds remain comfortably over 90%, a testament to their strong early performance. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the team is set to be buyers. This aggressive approach is part of an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, particularly given that it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team.
The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades, with the Marlins and Tigers being potential trade targets as they are expected to sell at the deadline. Cashman’s navigation of the trade deadline may well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. The team has previously made bold moves under Cashman’s guidance, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was still in a walking boot two years ago.
Offensive Woes and Player Struggles
One of the significant challenges for the Yankees this season has been their offense. DJ LeMahieu, a major player for the team, has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury and is currently hovering around a .500 OPS. Moreover, the Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, further highlighting their offensive issues.
In LeMahieu’s absence, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base. While Rice’s contributions have been crucial, they have not been enough to offset other lacking areas. Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, but the overall offensive performance remains an area of concern.
Pitching and Bullpen Performance
The Yankees have also faced issues on the pitching front. The bullpen has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts, while starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, adding to the unpredictability of the pitching staff's performance. Additionally, Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, further straining the bullpen.
Jasson Domínguez's return to form has also been halted. Although he completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, he immediately pulled his oblique, adding another setback for the team's pitching prospects. The minor league system has not offered much relief either. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024.
Player Development and Future Prospects
Despite these setbacks, there have been glimmers of hope within the organization. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year. Meanwhile, Will Warren, despite his struggles to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, continues to have a following of fans who believe in his potential.
The Yankees have also faced significant injuries. Everson Pereira recently required season-ending elbow surgery, further depleting their pool of emerging talent. However, the organization remains hopeful that their prospects can develop and contribute in the future at the major league level.
Cashman and the Yankees’ front office face a critical period as they approach the trade deadline. Their decisions will likely have far-reaching implications for the remainder of the season and beyond. Will the Yankees be able to turn their season around and make a strong postseason run, or will their early-season promise fizzle out? As the trade deadline looms, all eyes will be on Cashman to see how he maneuvers through this challenging yet pivotal moment.