The Yankees are coming off a very disappointing 2023 season filled with injuries causing them to miss the playoffs. After they made some serious moves during the 2024 offseason, let’s take a look at the New York Yankees.
Where were they in 2023?
After signing Aaron Judge to a 9-year / 360 million dollar extension, along with signing star pitcher Carlos Rodon, expectations were sky-high in the Bronx. However, everything that could’ve gone, did go wrong for the Yankees causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Yankees barely finished above .500 with an 82-80 record.
Throughout the season, they battled through injuries, a bad month of poor baseball, and at times had poor pitching. These all are key ingredients in order to be a playoff-contending organization.
Key Additions
Juan Soto – The Yankees went “all-in” trading for superstar Juan Soto back in early December. With a lineup that already features some of the best home run hitters in MLB history (Judge & Giancarlo Stanton), Soto will only add more firepower to the lineup.
Alex Verdugo – The Soto trade wasn’t the only shocking trade in December. In addition, the Yankees surprised MLB fans by trading for Verdugo who played for the rival Boston Red Sox. Verdugo adds the same value as Soto despite lacking power, Verdugo brings consistency in getting on base. Verdugo holds a batting average of .281 and an on-base percentage of .337.
Marcus Stroman – The Yankees have had struggles recently of having production in the starting rotation after Gerrit Cole. With the signing of Stroman, the Yankees hope to have great production on the mound to join Cole’s dominance.
Depth Chart
Rotation – Nestor Cortes, Rodon, Stroman, Clark Schmidt, Lucas Gil
Bullpen – CL Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, Tommy Kahnle, Ian Hamilton, Victor Gonzalez, Caleb Ferguson, Clayton Beeter, Luke Weaver
Lineup – 2B Gleyber Torres, LF Soto, CF Aaron Judge, 1B Anthony Rizzo, RF Verdugo, DH Giancarlo Stanton, 3B Oswaldo Cabrera, SS Anthony Volpe, C Jose Trevino
Bench – C Austin Wells. 2B/OF Jahmai Jones, INF/OF Oswaldo Cabrera, OF Trent Grisham
Where are they hoping to go?
Lastly, the 2024 season will be championship or bust for the New York Yankees. After the moves they made this season the Yankees have all the right pieces to win it all. It may be a slow start due to the loss of Gerrit Cole, but the Yankees should reach their goal at the end of the season.
Win Projection: 94.5 (Fanduel)
AL East Odds: +165 (Fanduel)
World Series Odds: +1100 (DraftKings) +900 (Fanduel)
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