The New York Yankees' 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, punctuated by highs of leading the league through mid-June and the lows of a subsequent severe downturn. As the trade deadline of July 30 approaches, the Yankees find themselves in a potentially transformative phase.
An Optimistic Outlook Despite Setbacks
Despite the recent slide, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects. "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," Cashman affirmed. Currently, the team's postseason odds sit comfortably above 90%, underscoring the faith that management has in their ability to turn the season around.
Challenges on the Offensive Front
One of the core issues facing the Yankees this season has been their struggling offense. DJ LeMahieu's return from a spring-training foot injury has not gone as planned, with his performance hovering around a disappointing .500 OPS. Adding to their woes, first baseman Anthony Rizzo's absence due to injury has led to Ben Rice stepping in to fill the gap.
Furthermore, the Yankees rank 24th out of 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base, highlighting a significant area that needs improvement. Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, but it's clear that across the board, the offensive unit needs reinforcements.
Pitching Woes Compound the Struggles
The Yankees' bullpen has also been underwhelming, particularly in terms of their strikeout rate. Starters like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have stumbled in their recent outings, adding further pressure. Luis Gil is venturing into uncharted workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt remains weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez's completed Tommy John surgery rehab only to suffer an oblique injury immediately showcases the roster's ongoing injury troubles.
Trade Deadline Strategies
The Yankees have decided to be buyers as the trade deadline nears, knowing that this year represents an "all-in" moment for the team, given that it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with them. Cashman and his team are expected to pursue aggressive trades, with targets likely including the Marlins and Tigers, both of whom are expected to sell at the deadline.
“My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman elaborated, emphasizing the importance of this juncture in determining the Yankees’ fate for the season. The club's previous acquisition of Harrison Bader from the Cardinals, even while he was in a walking boot two years ago, highlights their willingness to take calculated risks.
Potential and Prospects
While the present seems fraught with challenges, some hopeful signs are emerging. Brock Selvidge has had a breakout year, showcasing potential at the Double-A level. Meanwhile, players like Will Warren, despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, still have their supporters within the organization. Even amidst injuries, the Yankees’ farm system has pockets of promise.
However, there have been setbacks on the minor league front as well. Spencer Jones maintains one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, while both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have missed significant time due to injuries in 2024. In addition, Everson Pereira recently underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
Critical Moments Ahead
The Yankees' moves in the coming days will set the tone for the remainder of their season. The front office, led by Cashman, aims to navigate this crucial period judiciously. Their ability to address both offensive and pitching deficiencies will be key in determining whether they can recapture their early-season form and make a strong postseason push.
In what's shaping up to be a pivotal year, the Yankees' decisions leading up to the trade deadline could very well define their season. The team's ability to adapt, make strategic acquisitions, and overcome their numerous challenges will be the ultimate test of their resilience and ambition.