The New York Yankees had been through a very tough season. They could not qualify for the postseason in 2023. Moreover, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. It was one of their worst seasons in the last 30 years. Hence, they really needed to redeem themselves in the offseason. Moreover, that’s what the front office promised the fans as their offseason started a bit early last year. And the fans can claim that the franchise lived up to their expectations this winter. Moreover, the biggest changes they were looking for were around the outfield and bolstering their offense. That’s why the NY side went all in to sign Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
As a result, they gained another outfielder named Trent Grisham, along with Soto. Previously, the Boston Red Sox helped their arch-rivals with Alex Verdugo. But to get these outfielders was not a walk in the park for the front office. They had to sacrifice their bullpen depth. That’s why the Yankees are still there in the market to sign some more pitchers. And they will try to improve all their departments in any way they can. However, a former general manager said the Yankees won’t be able to win the AL East with this rotation.
Why Jim Duquette Feels Yankees Won’t Win Their Division This Year?
Recently, the former general manager of the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles believes the Juan Soto trade won’t help the 27-time champions top their division. Moreover, Jim Duquette feels the Yankees are a third-placed team in the American League East. And that’s just not good enough for them at present. Moreover, there have been speculations on the rotation of the NY side. But is it not calling them a third-placed team in their division a little bit of a stretch? On top of that, the Yankees were the only team in the AL East to make a significant change.
The Toronto Blue Jays were so close to signing the Unicorn Shohei Ohtani. But it seems they can’t find any luck this offseason, especially in free agency. Moreover, the Baltimore Orioles have not yet added a starting pitcher. On the other hand, the Boston Red Sox looks like continuing to get worse. And last but not least, the Tampa Bay Rays had to sacrifice Tyler Glasnow and will also lose Wander Franco and so on. Hence, the Yankees sure not look the worst in their division.
Can The Bronx Bombers Prove Duquette Wrong?
After a terrible 2023 season, the NY side was looking for a redemption anyway. But now the former GM’s “Third-Placed team” comment should give them a further motivation for a bounce-back season. Albeit, the addition of Juan Soto does not guarantee their top place in American League East, they sure have added other options. Lately, they added Marcus Stroman, which was an intriguing move.
But all eyes are on Carlos Rodon’s health. If the two-time All-Star is healthy, the pitching staff should perform better than last year. They lacked star power in the last few seasons. But now, they look pretty solid with superstars. Now, it is their time to prove naysayers like Jim Duquette.
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