Assessing and Addressing the Situation: The Bombers Are Not Mashing

Amidst this backdrop, the Yankees’ batters have hit into a team-wide slump. Taking a dive into the statsheet of the Bronx Bombers, it is surprising how they have done the opposite of what the teams nickname implies. Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres have been leading the way all year offensively, being the only 2 hitters with an OPS above .775. a wRC+ surpassing 105, and wOBA exceeding the league average of .318. Another noteworthy nugget is the scarcity of players, a trifecta of Judge, Torres, and Anthony Rizzo, with a BABIP that outshines the league average of .297, which highlights the Yankees ability to convert swings into hits.

Housekeeping missteps further compound the Yankees’ woes. The acquisition of Frankie Montas, purportedly amid behind-the-scenes awareness, adds a layer of ambiguity to their decision-making. The ill-fated Josh Donaldson trade stands as a testament to unfortunate choices, marked by exorbitant financial commitments and recurring injuries. This translates to an abysmal .142 batting average and a lackluster wRC+ of 74—a stark departure from effectiveness.

In addition to players inability to perform, multiple preventable front office mistakes further complicate the Yankees’ woes. The acquisition of Frankie Montas, while Cashman had some idea of Montas shoulder injury (per some reports) which keep him out of the rotation to this day, adds a layer of ambiguity to their decision-making. The ill-fated Josh Donaldson trade stands as a testament to unfortunate choices, eating the $43M only to get an abysmal .142 batting average and a lackluster wRC+ of 74 while recurring injuries still affect him.

Moreover, recurring tactical oversights cast a pall over the Yankees’ aspirations. Embarking on successive seasons without a full time left fielder seems an oversight. This year, the pairing of Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera for that position embodies an ill-conceived gamble. Similarly, adhering to the same catching duo of Kyle Higashioka and Jose Trevino, despite Trevino’s All-Star selection in 2022, proves counterproductive. Trevino’s OPS hovering at .671 and wRC+ at 91 portray another dead spot in a lineup that expects themselves to be World Series contenders.

Additionally, doing nothing at this years trade deadline signifies how they feel about this season. As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.

Amidst this complex panorama, a glimmer of promise endures. The window that was cracked open with the emergence of the Baby Bombers in 2017 has the potential to remain open for a while, provided pivotal adjustments are made. The next steps may not demand a full rebuild, like the Cubs or Astros did before their championship seasons, but it would require the front office to step out of their shell and make a move or two.

As the Yankees stand at a crossroads, the time for change has arrived. With a focus on nurturing young talents, two out of four promising MLB-ready prospects—Everson Pereira, Oswald Peraza, and Austin Wells—should be called up. Allowing them to grow within the major league environment while retaining their rookie status for the next season is a prudent move, backed by Aaron Boone’s conversation with Anthony Volpe on pursuing development at this level.

Creating space for them requires a straightforward approach. Designating for assignment (DFA) one of the lefty platoon outfielders, such as McKinney or Bauers, and DFAing catcher Ben Rortvedt presents a clear pathway. Moreover, the expansion of rosters from 26 to 28 in September will provide the final piece to the puzzle.

A Plan to Get The Job Done

With several contracts set to expire, including those of Donaldson, Luis Severino, and Montas unlikely to be renewed, financial flexibility emerges. The strategy involves re-signing key players: IKF, Wandy Peralta, and Keynan Middleton. IKF’s recent performance, bolstering both the lineup and defense, highlights his value. Furthermore, retaining two crucial elements of the league’s finest bullpen is a logical move.

Top Priorities for the Offseason

1. Acquiring an Outfielder: Venturing into a new season without an offensive force in left field is an oversight that must be rectified. Opting for a left-handed batter at Yankee Stadium seems prudent. Notable free-agent options include Lourdes Gurriel, Teoscar Hernandez, and a particularly intriguing candidate, Cody Bellinger—a player the Yankees considered during this year’s trade deadline.

2. Resolving the Third Base Dilemma: A crucial decision looms regarding third base. The Yankees face three choices: sticking with Peraza, securing Jeimer Candelario/Matt Chapman, or platooning LeMahieu/IKF. Opting for the latter could prove detrimental. Trusting in prospects during pivotal moments like this should be embraced.

3. Adding a Dependable Starter: Solidifying the pitching rotation is paramount. Whether through internal options like Randy Vazquez, Jhony Brito, or Clayton Beeter, or by bringing in an established major leaguer like Jack Flaherty, Michael Lorenzen, or potentially reuniting with Jordan Montgomery, consistency is the goal. The recent alcohol abuse incident rules out Domingo German as a viable option.

As the winds of change sweep through the Yankees’ camp, these strategic moves offer a blueprint for revitalizing a franchise that once stood as a paragon of baseball excellence. Through calculated choices, both immediate and long-term, the path to resurgence becomes clearer, holding the promise of restoring the Yankees to their place of prominence on the diamond.