The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. Despite boasting the best record in the league through mid-June, the team has since faced a severe downturn. General Manager Brian Cashman, however, remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects, with the odds comfortably exceeding 90%.
A Struggling Offense
The Yankees' offensive struggles have been a significant challenge. DJ LeMahieu, since returning from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled mightily, hovering around a .500 OPS. Meanwhile, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base. The team's third base situation has also been problematic, ranking 24th out of 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). However, there have been some bright spots, with Gleyber Torres showing signs of improvement at second base.
One player in particular, Alex Verdugo, has had a notably tough time against left-handed pitchers, an issue that has persisted over the last three seasons. The bullpen, expected to be a strength, has been underwhelming in the strikeout department. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also stumbled recently, adding to the team's woes.
Injury Woes
The Yankees have been hit hard by injuries this season. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar territory with his workload, and Clarke Schmidt is several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez, who completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, pulled his oblique almost immediately thereafter. Additionally, 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.
Will Warren, who continues to have fans despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira, who recently required season-ending elbow surgery, have added to the team's injury list. However, Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge has experienced a breakout year, providing some hope amidst the injuries.
Trade Deadline Prospects
This year's trade deadline represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline, with the Marlins and Tigers expected to be potential trade targets. Brian Cashman emphasized the importance of being open-minded: "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."
Two years ago, the Yankees acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot, demonstrating their willingness to take calculated risks. This year, that same bold approach might be necessary to address the various deficiencies in the team. Cashman and his team’s navigation of the trade deadline may well define the outcome of the Yankees' season.
In summary, the New York Yankees' 2023 season has been marked by highs and lows. With a strong start followed by significant struggles, the team now faces crucial decisions as the trade deadline approaches. The outcome of these decisions could significantly impact their postseason aspirations, making Brian Cashman's role pivotal in the days to come.