The 2023 season has certainly been a tumultuous one for the New York Yankees. After a promising start that saw them boast the best record in the league through mid-June, the team has since faced a severe downturn, leaving fans on edge as the postseason approaches. Despite the challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic, confidently stating that the team's postseason odds are comfortably over 90%. With the July 30 trade deadline looming, the Yankees are expected to be active buyers, seeking to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run.
Offensive Struggles
One of the most pressing issues for the Yankees this season has been their offense. DJ LeMahieu has struggled since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS, which is far from the productivity the team has come to expect from him. Additionally, with Anthony Rizzo sidelined, Ben Rice has been stepping in at first base. However, the Yankees’ offense continues to face significant challenges, ranking 24th among the 30 MLB teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base.
On a brighter note, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, providing a much-needed lift. Yet, Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers has been notably poor this season, continuing a troubling trend from the past three years.
Pitching Woes
The Yankees haven't fared much better on the mound. The bullpen, once a strength, has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have both been stumbling lately, adding to the team’s woes. Luis Gil is venturing into unfamiliar workload territory, and Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Compounding matters, promising prospect Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to suffer an oblique injury immediately afterward.
Farm System Setbacks
The minor leagues haven’t provided much relief either. Spencer Jones, a promising talent, has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors. Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for much of 2024, and Will Warren is struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A. The season-ending elbow surgery for Everson Pereira further depletes the Yankees' minor league depth, although Double-A lefty Brock Selvidge has experienced a breakout year, offering a glimmer of hope.
Despite his struggles, Will Warren continues to have fans, showing that potential remains within the system. Nevertheless, this year represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team, pushing the front office to explore all possible avenues.
Trade Deadline Strategies
As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees are expected to pursue aggressive trades. The Marlins and Tigers are potential targets, as both teams are expected to be sellers at the deadline. Cashman’s past moves, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot two years ago, demonstrate his willingness to take calculated risks.
"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," says Cashman.
Indeed, the decisions made by Cashman and his team in the coming days could very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Yankees navigate this critical period, hoping for moves that can turn their season around and propel them toward postseason success.