The New York Yankees are gearing up for the Opening Day in Houston. They had a terrible season last year. It was a tremendous shame as the NY side finished fourth in the American League East division with an awful 82-80 record. In 2023, the Bronx Bombers could not make the postseason. It was the first time since 2016 that they failed to make the playoffs. Moreover, the 27-time World Series champions had the second-worst batting average behind the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics. Things were not going their way. Hence, the Yankees decided to go all-in the next season. They showed their intent in the Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres.
Moreover, the NY side sacrificed a lot of their pitching depth. But they were successful in landing the best hitter in baseball. Moreover, the Yankees signed with Alex Verdugo from their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox. Then, they also added Trent Grisham, who came with the Soto trade. As a result, the front office was successful in reinforcing their offense. Last year, the Yankees offense let them down. But in the offseason, the Yankees outfield was the most improved in the league in terms of WAR. Hence, the NY side looks like a pretty strong contender for the World Series.
Is The Yankees Lineup Balanced Enough To Win The World Series?
The Yankees have a pretty good balance in their roster as it seems at present. If they don’t suffer because of a lot of injuries like last year, this team can go a long distance. Albeit, the Yankees have a shaky starting lineup from the very beginning. They increased the depth in the starting pitcher’s group by adding Marcus Stroman for a two-year deal worth $37 million. However, the team tried their best to find a backup for their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. But they missed out on several opportunities to sign a solid starter. Currently, Cole is out with a right elbow injury.
He won’t be back for the Opening Day and also not for another one to two months. For the Opening Day, Nestor Cortes will replace Cole. Besides Stroman and Cortes, the Yankees have Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt as starting pitchers. Anyway, the NY side has a good bullpen depth. Moreover, the Pinstripes have a new shortstop, as in, Anthony Volpe. He had an impressive rookie season in 2023. Then, the current batting order is the most promising group for the Yankees in decades.
Hitting Depth Raises Hope For The Bronx Bombers
DJ LeMahieu can take on the role of leadoff hitter. Then, the biggest addition for the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season, Juan Soto, comes in second. Later, the Yankees captain Aaron Judge follows Soto in the order. The Soto-Judge duo really makes the offense one of the best in the league, if not the best. Then, Giancarlo Stanton as the Designated Hitter comes in. He had a pretty good game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the spring training.
Moreover, the Yankees will need him to be in the best of form. Then, the veteran Anthony Rizzo strengthens the batting depth even more. Volpe can follow Rizzo to solidify the depth. Later, when the two quality Yankees, Cole and Jasson Dominguez returns to the lineup, they will get even stronger. But it all comes down to their fitness and abilities to not allowing injuries disrupt the proceeding.
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