The 2023 season has been a turbulent journey for the New York Yankees. Once flying high with the league's best record through mid-June, their fortunes since have sharply declined. General Manager Brian Cashman, however, remains optimistic about the team's postseason prospects. Despite recent struggles, the Yankees' playoff odds sit comfortably above 90%.
As the July 30 trade deadline looms, Cashman is preparing to be aggressive in the market. "We're gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things," he stated. "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."
Offensive Woes
The Yankees' offensive struggles are a significant concern. DJ LeMahieu has yet to find his form since returning from a spring-training foot injury, and his OPS hovers around a disappointing .500. Additionally, Ben Rice has been filling in for the injured Anthony Rizzo at first base but has yet to make a substantial impact.
The team's third base position has especially been a weak spot, ranking 24th in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among the 30 MLB teams. Meanwhile, Gleyber Torres has shown signs of improvement at second base, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise underperforming infield.
One player who has particularly struggled is Alex Verdugo, whose performance against left-handed pitchers has been notably poor this season and for the last three years. This inconsistency adds to the team's offensive challenges.
Pitching Troubles
The Yankees' bullpen has also fallen short, especially in terms of strikeouts, an area typically seen as essential for relieving pressure on the defense. Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, key figures in the rotation, have been stumbling lately. Luis Gil, facing an increased workload, is venturing into unfamiliar territory.
Further complicating the pitching situation, Clarke Schmidt is still weeks away from returning from a lat strain, and Jasson Domínguez, who had just completed rehab for Tommy John surgery, pulled his oblique almost immediately. These setbacks exacerbate the Yankees' issues on the mound.
Prospects and Future Moves
The farm system has not been immune to trouble either. Spencer Jones has one of the highest strikeout rates in the minors, while Chase Hampton and Henry Lalane have missed significant time due to injuries in 2024. Will Warren, despite maintaining a fan base, is struggling to keep his ERA under 6.00 in Triple-A. Furthermore, Everson Pereira recently underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
Still, there are bright spots among the prospects. Brock Selvidge, a Double-A left-hander, is having a breakout year, offering a potential boost for the future.
Trade Deadline Strategy
This year represents a crucial moment for the Yankees, as it is Juan Soto's only guaranteed year with the team. The front office is expected to pursue aggressive trades before the deadline. Historically unafraid to make bold moves, the Yankees previously acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals even when he was in a walking boot two years ago.
Teams like the Marlins and Tigers, expected to be sellers at the deadline, could be potential trade partners. The Yankees' approach to these negotiations may significantly influence the remainder of their season. Brian Cashman and his team’s moves will be pivotal, potentially defining the outcome of the Yankees' year as they navigate through these critical weeks.
In the midst of this uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Yankees are gearing up for an exciting and busy trade deadline. The play on the field may have faltered, but the front office remains committed to turning the season around and making a strong push for the postseason.