This off-season, the New York Yankees’ front office had only one goal: to address glaring roster holes. The hole in question is the left field gap and lack of a fifth starting option. Thus, the Bronx Bombers addressed these specific woes with the like-for-like solutions they deemed fit for the Bronx.
Besides, the Bronx Bombers also addressed offensive woes with a blockbuster signing. Having said that, with spring training scheduled for next month, the question on the minds of Yankees fans is whether these improvements are enough to position the Yankees as a serious contender in the upcoming season.
A Look Back Into Yankees Off-Season Journey!
The New York Yankees began the off-season on a high note as they signed Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal. Soto was not only a perennial solution to hitting woes but also an answer to outfield gaps. In the next big deal, the Yanks traded Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox to resolve long-withstanding left-field woes. However, the Bombers also witnessed a few misses. They lost Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes to the LA Dodgers, which proved to be a massive setback. However, Brian Cashman gathered his team quickly to pivot to pitcher Marcus Stroman. Stroman received a two-year deal worth $37 million. It is rumored that the Yanks are still in play for a couple of more pitching options. Regardless, the work put in by the franchise’s front office so far is commendable per se.
The roster gaps that bothered the team immensely in 2023 have been filled. Thus, overall, on paper, the New York Yankees look much stronger and better. Having said that, while the Yanks have undoubtedly made positive strides, challenges and uncertainties remain. The competition within the American League is fierce. And other teams have also made significant moves to strengthen their roster.
Injuries, an unpredictable factor in any season, can impact the team’s performance as well. Moreover, as per the ZiPS project, the Yanks are slated to finish somewhere between 86 and 90 wins. This might be enough for postseason qualification. But not good enough for the division of World Series wins. Regardless, the excitement among Yankee fans is palpable after these exciting off-season moves. And the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling chapter in the team’s quest for success.
Aaron Boone Updates On Plans For 2024 Season
Meanwhile, New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone has already begun preparations for the 2024 season. In a recent podcast with Foul Territory, Boone shared that he plans on using Aaron Judge at second and Juan Soto at third in the hitting lineup. Of course, plans are subject to change as and when circumstances evolve. However, Boone plans on sticking with this hitting order intially.
Besides, Aaron Boone also shared that he has an idea of playing Aaron Judge in the left field. Apparently, the captain is on board as well. However, that is for the latter half of the season when Jasson Dominguez returns. But until then, Judge will most likely play center field, with Juan Soto on the right and Alex Verdugo on the left.
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