The 2023 season for the New York Yankees has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, with its fair share of highs and lows. As the season progresses, the team's journey offers a fascinating case study in resilience and adaptation.
Early Dominance and Subsequent Downturn
Through mid-June, the Yankees were at the pinnacle of baseball success, boasting the best record in the league. This stellar performance had fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement about the team’s prospects. However, the bright skies turned cloudy as the Yankees hit a severe downturn post mid-June, highlighting the volatile nature of the sport.
Despite the slump, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team’s postseason chances. "We're gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things," Cashman commented. "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."
Currently, the Yankees' postseason odds remain comfortably over 90%, keeping hopes alive for fans and players alike. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the team intends to be active buyers, striving to bolster their roster for a strong postseason push.
Offensive Challenges
The Yankees' offense has faced significant challenges this season. DJ LeMahieu, struggling since his return from a spring-training foot injury, hovers around a .500 OPS, far from the performance the team had anticipated. Ben Rice has been stepping in admirably for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, yet the team's overall offensive numbers remain a concern.
Contributing to these woes is the Yankees' ranking of 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base. Although Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, the struggles are widespread. Alex Verdugo's performance against left-handed pitchers continues to be a glaring issue, a problem that has persisted over the last three seasons.
Pitching and Bullpen Concerns
The Yankees' pitching staff also faces its share of difficulties. The bullpen, generally expected to be a pillar of strength, has been underwhelming in terms of strikeouts. Key pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have hit rough patches recently, adding to the team's woes. Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, raising questions about his endurance and effectiveness.
Injuries have compounded these issues. Clarke Schmidt remains several weeks from returning from a lat strain, and Jasson Domínguez suffered an oblique pull immediately after completing his Tommy John surgery rehab. The minors have not been spared either, with Spencer Jones recording one of the highest strikeout rates and both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane sidelined with long-term injuries. Will Warren, despite having supporters, struggles to maintain an ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A.
At the same time, promising players like Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty experiencing a breakout year, offer a ray of hope amidst the turmoil.
Trade Deadline Strategy
This year marks a critical juncture for the Yankees as it represents Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. With this "all-in" moment, the front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades to improve the roster significantly. The Marlins and Tigers are potential trade partners, expected to be sellers at the deadline.
The Yankees have a history of strategic trades, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals when he was in a walking boot two years ago. This history suggests that Cashman and his team will leave no stone unturned to fortify the team for the challenges ahead.
The navigation of the trade deadline by Brian Cashman and his team could very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season. Their ability to identify and acquire the right pieces to address the team’s weaknesses will be crucial in determining whether this rollercoaster ride ends on a high note.