The New York Yankees had a terrible season last year. Their primary goal would be to reach the postseason in 2024. Moreover, it was a tremendous shame last year when they failed to make the postseason with an 82-80 record. That made the previous season one of their worst in the last 30 years. Moreover, a long Injured List did not help the Bronx Bombers either. It affected their game and win percentage greatly. In their outfield, the captain, Aaron Judge, was the only superstar last season. However, the Yankees lost their way when he hurt his toe and stayed out for a couple of months. And there was no coming back from that damage. On top of that, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average, only better than the Oakland Athletics last season. Hence, they needed to improve their power hitting significantly.
That’s what Brian Cashman had been looking to do since the offseason started too early for the NY side last year. During the GM Meetings back in November in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cashman mentioned they were looking for a couple of superstar lefty outfielders and a starting pitcher. Eventually, the front office got the outfielders they wanted. Landing Juan Soto even for a year has made this offseason look great for the Pinstripes. Adding to that, the Yankees received Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres and Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox. Hence, the batting looks really good for the Bronx, and it raises the fans’ hopes. However, the Yankees outfield is still not the best in the league ahead of the 2024 season.
Why Is The Initial Power Ranking Of The Yankees Shockingly Low?
Recently, Will Leitch of MLB.com gave out the power rankings of this year. The Yankees are no. 8 in the 2024 power rankings. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers are fifth in the American League. Clearly, there is still room for improvement in this offseason for the NY side. Brian Cashman knows that the fans pray to see them win the World Series again. However, it won’t be an easy journey. The Bronx Bombers must play well in the first weeks of the 2024 season.
But before that, they can make one or two more moves in the offseason. That might help them to move up in the rankings. After a brutal 2023 season, the Pinstripes look for redemption. Currently, they look good but not great on paper. To make this team great, the organization might set some goals. And what would those goals be?
Potential Goals For The Bronx In 2024
First of all, they really need a starting pitcher alongside Gerrit Cole. The failure to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto can hurt them next season a lot. Moreover, they gave up a lot of pitchers this offseason. Hence, they really need some pitching reinforcements. Who can the Yankees get to replace 432 innings from last year? Moreover, the Bronx Bombers would hope to see the top prospects go through significant development next season. Prospects like Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez, and also Austin Wells showed a lot of promise last season. But the Yankees must ensure these players keep hitting better, unlike others who get worse after coming to the big league from the minor league.
Thirdly, the NY side will hope to see the stars, Judge, Cole, and Soto lead them to a successful season. On top of that, the Bombers hope to see the veteran tripod – Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and Anthony Rizzo- stay healthy and productive in 2024. Then again, the Yankees would benefit immensely if Carlos Rodon gets back to form. Anyway, they are facing a shortage of top pitchers at present. And last but not least, maybe it is time for the NY side to go all in on the 2024 season. Since the last decade, the Yankees never tried hard enough to make it to the World Series. But this offseason, they said they would make significant changes. Perhaps it is time to make or break for the 27-time champions.
