The 2023 MLB season was an eye-opener for the New York Yankees as a franchise that is accustomed to success. The 27-time World Series champions failed to qualify for the postseason with an abysmal 82-80 record. Naturally, the club is expected to stay extra vigilant this off-season to ensure a stronger start to the 2024 season.
The off-season, meanwhile, has kicked off, and the Yankees are yet to reveal their cards. Leadership did address the media on Tuesday but refused to let out specific details. So, what should be a way forward for the New York Yankees ahead of the decisive 2024 season? Well, for starters, the front office must change its free agency approach and seek inspiration from the past.
Yankees Should Refrain From Spending Buckets This Coming Free Agency!
As usual, the New York Yankees managed to remain linked with every other big free-agency name available. From Cody Bellinger to Shohei Ohtani, every big name has one landing spot in common: the Bronx Bombers. After all, the Yanks have built a reputation for dumping ridiculous amounts of money during free agencies in the past. However, this time around, that approach needs to take a backseat. If the team is serious about moving on from the 2023 season fallout, they must change their approach with respect to free agency. Rather than spending huge bucks on multiple high-end candidates, the Yanks can pull off one big acquisition and trust the internal farm system to churn out reinforcements for the rest of the roster holes.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Yankees’ biggest hold exists in the pitching rotation. Gerrit Cole cannot be a lone warrior every season, and Carlos Rodon seems a bust. Thus, Hal Steinbrenner can land Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Blake Snell in a long-term deal and call it a day. The franchise’s existing farm system is capable enough to take care of the remaining concerns. We all saw the potential of the prospects during September. Also, it’s not the first time the Yanks will be adopting such an unusual approach. The leadership did the same during the 2016 off-season and bore positive results in 2017. While it seems a major risk, which it actually is, this is what it will take from the Bronx Bombers to fall back into World Series contention.
Brian Cashman Updates On Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon’s Heath Status!
While addressing reporters on Tuesday, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman shared crucial injury updates on starting pitcher Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes. Speaking on Rodon, Cashman believes he is healthy. Cashman admitted that Rodon’s debut didn’t necessarily turn out as expected, but the team is willing to work on him.
On the other hand, Brian Cashman confirmed that Nestor Cortes has begun throwing back at his hometown in Miami. He is doing all kinds of reps and seems fit. Cortes, who was shut down due to a rotator cuff strain injury, responded well to treatment. Eyeing Cortes’ progress, the Yankees expect the pitcher to turn up in spring training fully healthy.
