The New York Yankees had a terrible outfield last season. That really messed up their campaign in 2023. Moreover, they had only one superstar slugger and that’s their captain. But Aaron Judge alone was not enough to get the Bronx Bombers into the postseason last year. In fact, the 2022 AL MVP could not play the whole season because of a freak accident that kept him out of the game for two months. Aaron Judge went on to miss around 35 games. That cost the 27-time champions too heavily. They didn’t make the postseason. Moreover, the Yankees finished with an awful 82-80 record.
That was one of the worst season records in the franchise’s history. Clearly, the worst for the Bombers in the last 30 years. Other than the freak toe injury of Aaron Judge, the Yankees didn’t have enough depth in their outfield last season. As a result, the NY side finished with the second-worst batting average, only behind the Oakland Athletics. Hence, the front office was keen to make significant changes going to the offseason. And they did really well. Moreover, the changes Brian Cashman and company made this winter see them in a projected top spot as per MLB rankings for outfields.
Do Yankees Have The Best Outfield Ahead Of The New Season?
According to MLB.com and FanGraphs, the Yankees had the most improved outfield in the league this winter. They reviewed all the wins above replacement data along with the comparison with the 2023 leaderboards. That’s how MLB.com determines its projections for 2024. Moreover, the front office’s crucial moves have helped them improve their outfield on WAR data. Last season, the NY side was ranking 25th in the league. However, the significant changes this offseason see them reach the top of outfield groups quite possibly. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers have made multiple moves to see themselves improve in such an order.
But the most crucial move was quite clearly, landing the Dominican hitter, Juan Soto. He will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Anyway, the Yankees Nation would hope to see the best offensive player in the league help the team make the postseason this year. Moreover, with Soto and Aaron Judge taking the outfield alongside each other, would make the franchise a lethal offensive team anyway. Also, it would help Judge feel much less pressure, like in the last few seasons. On top of that, the Yankees and Juan Soto agreed to avoid arbitration. The Dominican slugger signed a record $31 million one-year deal.
Besides Soto, The NY Side Added Trent Grisham And Alex Verdugo
Trent Grisham would be the Bomber’s fifth hitter. He came in the same deal with Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. Now, Grisham would like to make a mark wearing the pinstripes uniform. He has a batting average of .216 and is a two-time Gold Glove. He’ll be the backup outfielder for the NY Yankees.
Besides the former Padres stars, the Boston Red Sox traded Alex Verdugo to their arch-rivals. Verdugo, too, has a good reputation with his glove. Last year, Alex Verdugo batted .264 and hit 13 homers along with 54 RBIs. In each of the last three years, he has hit around 30 doubles.
