The 2023 season has been a dramatic journey for the New York Yankees, one marked by astonishing highs and concerning lows. The Yankees started the season strong, boasting the best record in the league through mid-June. However, their fortunes took a drastic turn for the worse, and they have since faced severe challenges. Despite the rollercoaster ride, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's prospects for postseason success. With the Yankees' postseason odds still comfortably over 90%, Cashman is looking towards the upcoming trade deadline as an opportunity to bolster the team’s chances.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries
The Yankees' offense has been a significant hurdle this season. DJ LeMahieu’s return from a spring-training foot injury has been lackluster, with his OPS hovering around a .500 mark. Additionally, the team has had to rely on Ben Rice to fill in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base. The issues extend to third base as well, where the Yankees rank 24th among 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
At second base, however, there is a glimmer of hope as Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement. On the other hand, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has remained abysmal, continuing a three-season trend.
Pitching Concerns
On the mound, the bullpen has been underwhelming, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have stumbled lately, adding to the team's woes. Luis Gil enters uncharted territory with an increased workload, while Clarke Schmidt is still weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Adding to the injury list, Jasson Domínguez completed his Tommy John surgery rehab only to pull his oblique shortly thereafter, complicating the Yankees' outlook.
In the minors, the picture isn’t much brighter. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates, and both Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have been sidelined with injuries for a significant portion of 2024. Will Warren is promising despite struggling to keep his ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A, and Everson Pereira's season was cut short due to elbow surgery. Nonetheless, Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has had a breakout year, which could provide some much-needed depth for the future.
The Trade Deadline and Future Moves
With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are reportedly planning to be buyers. Cashman’s strategy emphasizes openness to a range of possibilities: "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," he said.
As the Yankees navigate this crucial period, aggressive trades are anticipated. Potential trade partners include teams like the Marlins and Tigers, who are expected to offload players at the deadline. This year represents an all-in moment for the Yankees largely because it is the only guaranteed year they have with Juan Soto.
Two years ago, the Yankees made a noteworthy acquisition when they picked up Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was in a walking boot. Such bold moves could define the outcome of this season. How Cashman and his team manage the trade deadline will be pivotal in determining whether the Yankees can turn their season around and make a deep postseason run.
The season’s trials have undoubtedly tested the Yankees, from offensive slumps and pitching difficulties to a litany of injuries. However, the organization’s resilience and strategic maneuvering as the trade deadline looms will be critical. With a front office poised for aggressive trades, the Yankees remain hopeful that they can reassert their dominance and make the most of their postseason opportunity.