The 2023 season has proved to be a tumultuous ride for the New York Yankees, challenging the resilience of both the team and its fanbase. Through mid-June, the Yankees were riding high, boasting the best record in the league. However, since then, a severe downturn has sparked considerable concern among supporters and analysts alike.
Despite the rocky stretch, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects, with their playoff odds still comfortably over 90%. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, Cashman has made it clear that the Yankees will be active buyers, seeking to bolster their roster for a deep postseason run.
Offensive Struggles
The Yankees' offense has been a significant challenge. Infield stalwart DJ LeMahieu has struggled mightily since returning from a spring-training foot injury, hovering around a .500 OPS. The absence of Anthony Rizzo due to injury has forced Ben Rice to step in at first base, adding more uncertainty to the lineup. The team's performance at third base has also been lackluster, ranking 24th among the 30 teams in Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Though Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, the situation in the outfield remains dire. Alex Verdugo's inability to hit left-handed pitchers has been a glaring issue for the last three seasons, compounding the Yankees' offensive woes. Overall, the lineup's inconsistency has put immense pressure on the pitching staff to carry the load.
Pitching Woes
The bullpen, traditionally a source of strength for the Yankees, has been underwhelming this season, particularly in terms of strikeouts. Starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have also stumbled lately, raising questions about the rotation's reliability. Additionally, Luis Gil is entering unfamiliar workload territory, posing another set of challenges for the coaching staff.
Injury woes further plague the pitching staff with Clarke Schmidt still several weeks away from returning from a lat strain. Jasson Domínguez, who had completed his Tommy John surgery rehab, immediately pulled his oblique, adding another name to the injury list. Meanwhile, young talents like Spencer Jones are struggling with high strikeout rates in the minors, preventing a seamless transition to the majors.
Trade Deadline Strategy
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees' front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades to address these pressing issues. The Marlins and Tigers are potential trade targets as they are expected to sell at the deadline. The Yankees have a history of making bold moves, such as acquiring Harrison Bader from the Cardinals while he was still in a walking boot two years ago.
In a recent statement, Brian Cashman emphasized the organization's proactive approach: "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."
This year's trade deadline is particularly critical, given that it represents an "all-in" moment for the Yankees because it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. How well Cashman and his staff navigate these upcoming trades may very well define the outcome of the Yankees' season and their pursuit of a World Series title.
Looking Forward
The Yankees' journey through the rest of the season will be closely monitored by both fans and experts. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has experienced a breakout year, providing a glimmer of hope for the future. Despite his struggles in Triple-A, Will Warren continues to have a loyal fanbase, eager to see his potential realized on the big stage.
The path ahead is riddled with challenges, but with strategic moves and improvement in key areas, the Yankees have the pieces to turn their season around. As the team eyes the postseason, the stakes are incredibly high, and every decision made in the coming weeks could be pivotal.