The New York Yankees have come a long way since their terrible outing last year. It could not have gone any worse in 2023. The team disappointed the die-hard fans of the franchise with their worst season in the last 30 years. They failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. On top of that, the NY side finished with the second-worst batting average, only better than the Oakland Athletics. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers ended in fourth place in the American League East division. The 2023 season saw the Yankees finish with a horrible 82-80 record.
Since then, the front office made a lot of changes to the roster. Now, the Yankees look good on paper yet again. The Bronx Bombers look like the most improved outfield in terms of WAR. That happened when they added Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo to the rotation. Now, the Yankees Faithful are eager to see the duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto going next to each other in the batting order. Moreover, it seems DJ LeMahieu will be the leadoff hitter for the NY side. Now, the question is how effective can the offense actually be on the field this year.
DJ LeMahieu Believes The Lineup Looks Good Every Year Since He Has Been Part Of The Yankees
DJ is the oldest player in the NY side’s rotation. On Monday, in the exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins, the potential leadoff hitter hurt his face. It scared the team momentarily. He missed a tough hop at third base. Later, DJ had a red mark near his nose where the ball hit him. Moreover, the Yankees manager mentioned that he figured DJ was all right. Even then, Aaron Boone bounced out of his dugout, “Just to make sure” at the Steinbrenner Field. Apparently, this year, the Yankees have the most balanced and possibly lethal lineup in recent times.
In 2024, DJ LeMahieu is entering his 6th season wearing the pinstripes uniform. Later, DJ mentioned that ever since he has been part of this team, the side has looked good on paper. But LeMahieu pointed out the difference this year, and that’s the “Depth down the line.” DJ added that he is feeling better than ever. He is running, swinging, and moving better. The reason for feeling better is as DJ puts it, he had better preparations and a good foundation. That’s what he is ready to “Keep building on for the long haul.”
Aaron Boone Feels DJ Is In A Much Better Shape
The Yankees skipper has spoken highly of DJ LeMahieu ever since the beginning of the camp. Moreover, Aaron Boone praised LeMahieu’s present physical condition. He told the reporters that it is exciting to see where DJ is right now physically. Boone pointed out why DJ looks different this year. Moreover, the oldest player on the roster ended the last season on a positive note. And now Boone feels DJ has an explosiveness to him that has been a good change in the last couple of years.
Moreover, DJ LeMahieu expects to stay healthy, and with the depth the team has, the potential leadoff hitter expects to see the team go a long way. He added, “Picking ourselves up after adversity is the most important thing.” The 2023 season was definitely adversity.
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