The New York Yankees’ 2023 season has been nothing short of a dramatic narrative filled with highs and lows. Dominating the league with the best record through mid-June, the team later experienced a severe downturn. Despite the rollercoaster ride, General Manager Brian Cashman maintains a hopeful outlook on the Yankees' postseason prospects, with odds comfortably above 90%.
As the July 30 trade deadline looms closer, the Yankees, historically aggressive deadline players, are expected to be buyers. Cashman echoed this sentiment, stating, "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."
Offensive Challenges
One major obstacle for the Yankees has been their offense. DJ LeMahieu, returning from a spring-training foot injury, has struggled to find his form, sporting an OPS around .500. Filling Anthony Rizzo’s shoes at first base, Ben Rice has stepped in but the team still ranks 24th out of 30 in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base. Moreover, Alex Verdugo’s performance against left-handed pitchers has been nothing short of dismal for three consecutive seasons.
While Gleyber Torres has demonstrated signs of improvement at second base, the overall offensive output remains a concern that needs addressing, particularly as the team pushes towards the postseason.
Pitching Woes
The pitching staff has not been immune to difficulties either. The bullpen has struggled to rack up strikeouts, and starters Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been stumbling lately. Clarke Schmidt’s lat strain will keep him sidelined for several more weeks, and Luis Gil finds himself in an unfamiliar workload territory, which could spell trouble down the line.
Jasson Domínguez’s post-Tommy John surgery recovery was unfortunately followed by an oblique injury. These disruptions exemplify the sporadic unpredictability plaguing the team’s pitchers this season. Even in the minor leagues, prospects like Spencer Jones have uncomfortably high strikeout rates, and Will Warren is struggling to maintain an ERA below 6.00 in Triple-A. Everson Pereira’s season-ending elbow surgery further depletes the team’s depth.
Trade Deadline Expectations
Given these challenges, the front office is likely to pursue aggressive trades before the trade deadline. The Marlins and Tigers, both expected to be sellers, have emerged as potential trade targets. As in previous years, Cashman’s maneuvers will be crucial. His ability to navigate the complexities of the trade market could define the outcome of the Yankees’ season, much as it did when they acquired Harrison Bader from the Cardinals two years ago, even as he was in a walking boot.
The Yankees face a significant pressure to maximize their opportunities, particularly since this year marks an "all-in" moment for the franchise. It is the only guaranteed year they have with superstar Juan Soto, amplifying the urgency to construct a team capable of a deep playoff run.
Optimism Amidst Uncertainty
Cashman’s optimism isn't without basis. Despite the struggles, Brock Selvidge, a Double-A lefty, has had a breakout year, shining a hopeful light on the future. Likewise, Will Warren, despite his poor Triple-A numbers, retains a fanbase that believes he could turn things around. These glimmers of potential within the organization offer a counterbalance to the season’s myriad challenges.
Ultimately, the Yankees are poised for a make-or-break moment as they approach the trade deadline. Whether they can pivot from a troublesome midseason slump to a formidable postseason threat will hinge on strategic acquisitions and a bit of luck in the health department. One thing is certain: the next few weeks will be pivotal, and the moves the Yankees make could set the tone not just for the remainder of the season but for the franchise’s foreseeable future.