New York Yankees’ offense has been off to a concerning start in the 2023 MLB season. The team is averaging 4.23 runs per game and ranks 20th among the list of 30 teams with the least number of runs. Moreover, the lack of runs leads to their first series loss of the season against the Blue Jays. Certainly, it’s highly concerning for a team who relies too heavily on its offense. But what actually led to this sudden shift in gears? Let’s find out.
1. Aaron Judge’s Awfully Quite Bat
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge piled up a tower of home runs last season. However, this year, his bat has been awfully quiet. In 21 games, he’s hit .244 with six home runs and 31 strikeouts. After last season, Judge has become the guiding force of the team’s offense. Hence, runs drying up from his end is a major cause of worry for the Yankees. While nobody expects the slugger to recreate the 2022 season, he has to do half a better job to provide the Yankees with a chance to fight.
2. Yankees Rookies Failing To Step Up
This season, the Yankees instilled a lot of faith in the rookies. From Anthony Volpe to Oswaldo Cabrera, many rookies have received an opportunity to start ahead of the experienced regular players. While the young guns have shown enough resilience in the field, the lack of offensive power has been a bit of a problem. Anthony Volpe has scored .188 with two homers so far, whereas Cabrera’s stats stand at .224 with one homer. Naturally, the rookies cannot play safe anymore and step up to keep their place in the team.
3. Yankees Injury Woes
Injury concerns are the major contributor to the Yankees’ offensive failure this season. The most feisty slugger of the lineup, Giancarlo Stanton, landed on the IL just when he picked up his prime form. Moreover, Harrison Bader is yet to make his debut this season. Not only that, DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, and Josh Donaldson also had their fair share of health concerns. Hence, the hitting department is in major turmoil this season which is hindering the Yankees’ chances of winning.
4. Lack Of Bullpen Depth
The Yankees’ outfield depth has been a problem ever since the start of the season. A majority of the players are spending time on IL. While the Bombers did call up a few potentials from the minors, they have produced too little offensively. Franchy Cordero did an excellent job during the last road trip by punching four homers. But apart from him, the Yankees have no real strong depth to rely on.
To conclude, there is a lot the New York Yankees need to contemplate on to generate more power in the offence. The front office must devise fresh plans as the existing ones are clearly not working. Nonetheless, there’s still a long way to move in the season, and the Yankees have enough time to set things in the right direction.
