For the first time in many decades, the New York Yankees are going to play a meaningless September as the playoff odds are remotely diminished. With 64-68, the team sits eight games below the wildcard spot and four games below .500. With only 30 games left on the schedule, only a 100% winning streak can ensure a postseason berth, which is an impossible task.
So, where did it actually fall apart for the Yanks? Let’s go back to square one, the off-season, where the front office blew up opportunities to elevate the quality of the roster. They made four such dubious moves, which majorly resulted in their downfall this season. How the club tries to salvage the damage in the next off-season would be an interesting event.
Yankees Sticking To Josh Donaldson and Luis Severino Cost Them A Playoff Berth
The New York Yankees front office was delusional that their roster had no loopholes as they made it to the ALCS last season. Hence, this off-season, the club indulged in only one sign-in, which proved to be a big mistake. The Yanks signed Carlos Rodon under a six-year $162 million contract. The same pitcher who has missed over 80% of the season on the injury list. Even after their return, Rodon remained highly ineffective on the mound. Further, Brian Cashman chose to stick with an aging and non-performing veteran, Josh Donaldson. Donaldson, who featured in a mere 33 games this season, batted with an average of .142 with a low .659 OPS.
The New York Yankees failed to address one major problem in the off-season: the empty left field. The management blindly backed Aaron Hicks for the role, who had been no better than Josh Donaldson. While Hicks was let go in May, the club is yet to find its permanent left-field solution. There has been a revolving door situation in the position as multiple players tried to fixate their place. But none succeeded. Lastly, Luis Severino. The starter has been the roster’s biggest weak link. Prior to the start vs. the Nationals, Severino’s ERA touched 11. While the pitcher did record back-to-back scoreless outings, his subpar and incomplete performance handed the Yanks humiliating losses. Having said that, a lot went wrong with the team this season. But these four goof-ups contributed the most to the Yank’s downfall.
Changes Incoming This Off-Season For The Last Placed Bronx Bombers
The New York Yankees will look to avoid a repeat of 2023 in 2024 off-season. The franchise is expected to undergo a lot of changes. For starters, the managerial duo of Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone could lose their jobs. The team has borne the brunt of their failed trades and roster decisions. Having said that, it would be interesting to see if Hal Steinbrenner has the guts to sack either of the managerial duo.
Coming to the roster, Josh Donaldson is on his way out with Harrison Bader placed on waivers. Along with them, Luis Severino and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are unlikely to keep their places on the roster. Both are impending free agents with no hope of an extension. Wandy Peralta and Frankie Montas could also see themselves out if the Yankees decide to overhaul their roster completely.
