The New York Yankees, a team with a rich history of success, have been striving to return to their championship-winning ways in recent years. This year has been no different than the others. The team will enter the second half of the playoff race. While the odds of them making it to the postseason looks bleak, there is still hope, especially if the Bombers manage to correct these five things.
1. Solve Left Field Crisis
The left field has been a revolving door at the Yankees for the past two seasons. It is creating a void in the team’s defense. This season, the team’s best-left fielders are Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who happen to be traditional infielders. Undoubtedly, the situation is getting worse day by day. However, it’s not that the Yanks didn’t try at all. They brought in Billy McKinney, Greg Allen, and Jack Bauers to solve the left-field crisis. But injuries foiled their plan. Overall, if the team can get a permanent solution at left field, it will indeed strengthen their defense.
2. Put A Permanent Fix To Leadoff Spot
After DJ LeMahiue encountered his career-worst slump this season, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has shuffled leadoff hitters consistently. It is not helping the already struggling offense at all. They need to put Anthony Volpe back at the leadoff spot. He did a good job as a leadoff hitter earlier in the season before he faced a slump. However, after the infamous chicken parm dinner, the kid is witnessing a resurgence. Hence, the rookie deserves to be a leadoff hitter as he is hitting the ball harder than ever.
3. Address Luis Severino’s Struggles
Luis Severino, who was supposed to be a key regular starter this year, has turned out to be the biggest weak link in the rotation. He has a 7.38 ERA in mere nine starts this season. His pitches are directionless and lack the desired velocity. The rotation is already marred by injuries, with Gerrit Cole being the only top-performing pitcher. Hence, the Yankees need to address Severino’s situation. If he fails to show signs of improvement, the team should consider his demotion or replace him with a stronger arm. The next couple of starts should be the final test for Severino to prove his worth.
4. Cut The Non-Performing Veteran Loose
The Yankees made a bold move when they released Aaron Hicks in May due to his underwhelming performance. So what’s stopping them from pulling the plug on Josh Donaldson? His average has been below .150 for the longest time this season. On top of that, he is going to be a free agent next year. Hence, if Donaldson fails to prove his worth, show him the door like Hicks and pave the way for talented prospect Oswald Peraza. Peraza’s vast talent and red-hot form are getting wasted down in Triple-A. It’s about time the Yanks move away from their idea of having renowned names in the roster, as it certainly is not the key to success.
5. Perform Better In The Second Half
It’s a no-brainer. The Yankees, as a unit, need to step up and perform. Moreover, MLB has made their job a little easier as they have the easiest remaining strength of schedule, according to Tankathon.com. Blue Jays, Orioles, and Rays will have to do some hard work down the stretch. Hence, it’s the Yanks’ game to lose from here.
By addressing these key areas, the Yankees can position themselves as serious contenders for the World Series title. The talent is there, and with the right approach and mindset, the Yankees can reclaim their place among the game’s elite.