The 2023 season has been anything but predictable for the New York Yankees. Leading the league through mid-June, the team seemed an unstoppable force, only to face a severe downturn as the summer progressed. Despite these challenges, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about their postseason prospects, bolstered by odds that are 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. My deadline plan is to see if we can run into as much that can improve our team as possible," Cashman stated, exuding hope for a turnaround.
Offensive Challenges
Offensive struggles have been a significant hurdle. DJ LeMahieu, once a reliable spark for the lineup, has been a shadow of his former self since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. Ben Rice, stepping up in place of the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, has shown promise but not enough to offset the team's difficulties.
The Yankees rank 24th in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base among the 30 MLB teams. Gleyber Torres has shown some improvement at second base, yet Alex Verdugo has continued to perform poorly against left-handed pitchers for the third consecutive season. These collective woes have hampered a lineup that was once feared.
Pitching Struggles
The pitching staff has not been immune to troubles either. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have struggled recently, contributing to the team's woes. Luis Gil finds himself in uncharted territory regarding workload, while Clarke Schmidt is still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain.
Even the bullpen, a traditional strength of the Yankees, has been underwhelming, especially in terms of strikeouts. Jasson Domínguez's return from Tommy John surgery was short-lived, as he pulled his oblique right after completing rehabilitation.
Prospects have also faced setbacks. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, and injuries have sidelined both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane for much of 2024. Will Warren's struggles have been particularly glaring, with his ERA stubbornly remaining above 6.00 in Triple-A. Everson Pereira's season-ending elbow surgery adds to the growing list of concerns.
Trade Deadline: A Critical Juncture
Amid these challenges, Cashman and his front office are preparing for a potentially defining trade deadline. The team is poised to be buyers as July 30 approaches, with the Marlins and Tigers emerging as potential trade targets. The front office is under pressure to deliver, especially considering that this year marks an "all-in" moment for the Yankees, given that it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team.
The Yankees have a history of aggressive moves, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago while he was still in a walking boot. Similar bold moves may be necessary to salvage the season.
Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has been a rare bright spot, showcasing a breakout year that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Despite his Triple-A numbers, Will Warren continues to have his supporters, hinting at potential untapped value.
Cashman's approach to the trade deadline will likely be highly scrutinized. His navigation of this period could very well determine the outcome of the Yankees' season. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. The team is in a precarious position where smart acquisitions could lead to a postseason run or a missed opportunity could spell the end of their hopes for the year.
The coming weeks will be telling for a franchise with lofty expectations and a fanbase hungry for success. As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Yankees’ front office and their moves to fortify a roster that has shown both brilliance and frailty in equal measure.