The 2023 season has been nothing short of a whirlwind for the New York Yankees. Riding high with the best record in the league through mid-June, the team seemed destined for another strong postseason run. However, since mid-June, the Bronx Bombers have faced an alarming downturn, casting doubt on their once-solid campaign.
Despite the recent struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the Yankees' postseason prospects, with the team's odds 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," Cashman said. His confidence signals that the Yankees will be active buyers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches.
Challenges on Offense
A significant part of the Yankees' downturn can be traced to their offensive struggles. DJ LeMahieu, returning from a spring-training foot injury, has found it tough to regain his form, hovering around a .500 OPS. Furthermore, Ben Rice has been stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, but consistent productivity remains elusive.
The team's issues extend to third base, where the Yankees rank 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR). While Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, the overall infield performance has yet to reach its potential. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo's ongoing difficulties against left-handed pitchers, extending over the past three seasons, add another layer of concern for the Yankees' lineup.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees' bullpen, typically a source of strength, has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts this season. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also been stumbling lately, adding to the team's pitching woes. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, a precarious position as the season intensifies. Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain, while Jasson Domínguez, having just completed rehab from Tommy John surgery, pulled his oblique immediately.
Minors and Trade Deadline
In the minors, Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates, Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, and Will Warren struggles to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A. The Yankees did receive some good news as Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year. Despite Will Warren's ugly Triple-A numbers, the right-hander continues to have fans within the organization.
This year represents a particularly critical moment for the Yankees, as it features Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. Given this all-important context, the front office will likely pursue aggressive trades before the trade deadline to bolster their postseason chances. Cashman stated, "My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible."
Potential Trade Targets
The Marlins and Tigers emerge as potential trade partners, expected to sell at the deadline. The Yankees have a track record of making bold moves, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago. As the deadline nears, Brian Cashman and his team’s strategic decisions may very well define the outcome of the Yankees' tumultuous season.
In conclusion, the New York Yankees are at a crossroads. With a mixture of optimism and significant challenges ahead, Cashman's navigation through these turbulent times will be crucial. The upcoming trade deadline presents an opportunity to correct course and steer the Yankees back on the path to another postseason run.