The New York Yankees had a terrible 2023 season plagued with injuries. As a result, the season did not go according to their plans. In fact, it went quite downhill to what they would want for themselves. Moreover, the NY side finished fourth in the American League East division with an awful 82-80 record. They had the second-worst batting average in the league. The Oakland Athletics were the only team to have a worse hitting average than the NY side. It was a tremendous shame for the 27-time champions to be near the bottom of that list alongside the nine-time champions. The 2023 season was their worst season in the last 30 years.
But what really caused problems for the Bronx Bombers was the long Injured List. Several key members of the Yankees, ranging from veterans to the youth, had their names on the IL. For instance, Anthony Rizzo and Jason Dominguez were all on that list. However, what hurt the NY side the most was Aaron Judge’s toenail injury. Later, it turned out to be a torn ligament issue for the Yankees captain cum superstar slugger. As a result, the 2022 AL MVP missed 35 games on the trot. Since then, the Yankees have come a long way. But before heading towards the new season, they are still wary of injuries.
Yankees Want To Stay Healthy To Return To The World Series Contention In 2024
Recently, Michael Cohen of Fox Sports reported that the NY side needs health to guide them to the World Series. Moreover, looking at the roster, the fans can claim that this team is worthy to have an excellent season. But can they end the 15-year-long wait for the World Series? Only time can say? This wait has been the second longest for the Yankees since the period from 1978 to 1996. Anyhow, there are certain points why the team is a contender for the 2024 World Series. That discussion started ever since the Bronx Bombers landed Juan Soto. After all, the Dominican superstar is the best hitter in baseball.
Moreover, after the terrible 2023 season, the Yankees needed a major boost to their offense. The 25-year-old superstar has already hit 160 home runs in his career. If he stays healthy, he can do special things for the Yankees in 2024. Moreover, two big names on the last year’s IL, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton must stay healthy to keep the team’s 2024 offense as strong as it looks. Adding to that, the young guns like Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez must avoid any more injury related issues to help the NY side have a great depth in the lineup.
Finally, It’s Gerrit Cole Who Can Turn Things Around
The Yankees had only one high-profile starting pitcher on their roster. It was the 2023 AL Cy Young winner. The NY side needs their ace to return to the lineup stronger than ever. Clearly, it will be tough without him for at least a couple of months. The Yankees will use Nestor Cortes in Cole’s place on the Opening Day. Moreover, Carlos Rodon was a big disappointment last year in his debut season for the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees have invested a lot in Rodon and Cortes.
They need to step up in the absence of Gerrit Cole and get back to their 2022 forms. And so the NY side needs Marcus Stroman at his best. Cole might have avoided Tommy John surgery, but he did suffer nerve inflammation in his right elbow. Hence, the Yankees have suffered a major blow even before the Opening Day. They will miss Cole and DJ LeMahieu against the Houston Astros.
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