Despite witnessing a disastrous season, the New York Yankees can fall back into World Series contention in 2024 with a few changes. The core roster, as it stands, is still competent and strong. If it wasn’t for the persisting injuries, this season would have been a lot different. Regardless, the team still needs to tie up the loose ends.
There exists a few holes in the current roster that the New York Yankees front office needs to address. The first being the dismantled starting pitching rotation, followed by the left field revolving door. These two spots have been the team’s biggest concerns this year. Hence, the front office will face a daunting task to resolve this issue during upcoming free agency.
Yankees Likely To Promote Key Reliever To Starting Rotation In 2024!
The starting pitching rotation of the New York Yankees has stayed incomplete throughout the 2023 season due to persistent injury woes. Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, Frankie Montas, and Nestor Cortes all missed crucial time on the injury list. Only ace Gerrit Cole has been able to last the full season without any injury concerns whatsoever. Hence, the Yanks would require to add a couple of healthy options into the rotation. Recently, Brian Cashman has shown interest in Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, his market value could pose a potential roadblock. Having said that, while the Bombers would definitely seek outside help, they have a homegrown option budding to become a full-fledged starter.
Michael King, who has served as a reliever for most part of the season, was promoted to the starter’s role off lately owing to injury woes. Surprisingly, King has impressed so far. His overall ERA stands at 1.27 while striking out 27 hitters. Moreover, as per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, the Yankees skipper is open to put King into the 2024 rotation as a full-time starter. Aaron Boone is moved by the way the pitcher has built up his skills in the last few weeks. He is stretching himself and is able to last five innings now, which is a great positive. His work ethic and effectiveness on the mound make Boone believe that King can go on to become a successful start. It would be interesting to see how the Bombers move ahead with this option.
Blue Jays’ Third Baseman Could Be A Perfect Fit For Yanks
Apart from the pitching rotation and outfield, the New York Yankees would also need some help at the third base. Josh Donaldson, who was supposed to hold that position this season, could only last 35 games before being released last month. Hence, the space is open if the Bombers decide on DJ LeMahieu’s future, who is 35 with limited effectiveness.
Having said that, Blue Jays’ infielder Matt Chapman could be perfect for the Yankees. While his 2023 season was marred with injuries, the baseman had back-to-back 28-homer seasons in 2021 and 2022. He is 30 and could serve long-term compared to LeMahieu. While the Yanks could face competition from various clubs, putting together a lucrative offer should be the key.
