On March 30, the 2023 MLB season will kick off. We are therefore embarking on a long marathon to see if the Astros will be dethroned at the end of the race.
After the Red Sox yesterday, on the menu today: the New York Yankees
The first half of the 2022 campaign was an extraordinary one for the Bronx Bombers, who were sailing briskly towards a record of victories.
The second portion was a little more difficult, however, due in part to the wounded, but above all to the inability of manager Aaron Boone to rally his troops, the insurmountable advance they had forged melting like snow in the sun.
Luckily for New Yorkers, the veterans came back in time to regain control of the boat just before the playoffs.
With a first-round bye, the start of the Division Series was not easy for the Yankees. They finally found themselves on the right side against the Cleveland Guardians at the end of it.
Things were different in the Championship Series, however, as the Yankees were swept in four short games by the Houston Astros. It’s always a big disappointment for fans when the Yankees don’t reach the World Series.
Of course, we must highlight the historic season of outfielder Aaron Judge, who broke the record for long balls in the American League, a record that belonged to the legendary Roger Maris.
On the other side of the spectrum, some other elements have to look in the mirror, such as Josh Donaldson, Aaron Hicks and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Additions/departures
Offensively, the Yankees’ roster won’t be much different from last year. It is not the departures of Marwin Gonzalez and Matt Carpenter that will change anything, even if the latter has had a season beyond expectations. Same story for Andrew Benintendi, who was absent at the most important moment of the last campaign.
To make up for their loss, general manager Brian Cashman believes the solutions lie within, with the emergence of Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe.
It’s quite different on the mound, however, as the Yankees have gone through several changes, letting Jameson Taillon, Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Chad Green and Miguel Castro leave. Left-handed reliever Lucas Luetge suffered the same fate, but this time by trade.
Barring the signing of Judge, Cashman’s big break came when he signed ace pitching Carlos Rodon on terms of a lucrative pact. Tommy Kahnle will also join the pitching corps in the relief paddock. It will be a return for him in the striped uniform.
Strengths weaknesses
Prior to the announcement that Frankie Montas would be out for most, if not all, of the season, the Yankees had the best rotation in major league baseball. The fact that Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt will take the position of fifth starter takes away this title. New York has an excellent top four, however, consisting of Gerrit Cole, Rodon, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Luis Severino.
The succession will also be a strong point in the Bronx, since the elements that left were either rendered obsolete or found themselves on the injured list. Several elements of this enclosure can evolve in all sorts of circumstances, a luxury for the manager.
Speaking of manager, Boone is certainly one of the weaknesses of the New York formation. His decisions out of the ordinary, but not always justified, have often sunk his flock. That will have to change if the Yankees want to take it to the next level.
Another area for improvement is the offense, despite the presence of big guns, such as Judge, Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu (if he can stay healthy). Batting consistency is a key factor, because as we saw in the playoffs, a bad streak based on relying too much on the long ball happened so quickly.
Defensively, everything should go well, especially if Kiner-Falefa leaves his shortstop position to young Oswald Peraza. With past Gold Glove recipients including Jose Trevino (Platinum Glove in his case) and Harrison Bader, the team is in good hands on this side of the ball.
What to expect in 2023?
The Yankees are still among the favorites to win top honors. And 2023 will be no exception. They will have to find the solution to the problems that have prevented them from achieving this goal since 2009.
A heated battle with the Toronto Blue Jays is expected for the lead in the American League East Division. The matches between the two teams will be of paramount importance and we can expect sparks, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. having already set the table in the media. We don’t really know why.
Manager Boone’s position is increasingly in danger and if the results are not there, the pressure could become unbearable. A change of air should then be recommended.
The arrival of the youngsters will also be one to watch since the Yankees have some gems in their hands. Just make them play and stop protecting the veterans.
All this to say that another great season is shaping up in the Bronx. But no one can know if 2023 will ultimately be the year of the Yankees.
