The New York Yankees will resume the second half of the season with underlying issues in the offense. Their hitting lineup is over-reliant on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Only injured Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Trevino, and rookie Ben Rice have had an OPS above .690 this season.
Hence, to ensure a deep postseason finish, changes are necessary and more or less inevitable. The New York Yankees have to resurrect the bottom half of the hitting lineup to boost offensive production. On that note, here are three practical ways the Bronx Bombers can achieve the daunting quest heading into the second half.
1. Yankees Regular Starters Need To Step Up
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman once said the bottom half of the hitting lineup has potential and capability to cause damage. Hence, with second half on the horizon, the time if now for the non-performing regular starters to shine. Alex Verdugo need to break out of his slump and also step up in the outfield.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe, who appears to be regressing in sophomore season, need to drive in more runners in scoring position. DJ LeMahieu, who has been a ground ball machine since delayed start to the season, must live up to his name and veteran status. Additionally, second baseman Gleyber Torres needs to prove why he deserves to stay in the big leagues as has a pivotal free agency looming over his head.
2. Get The Injured Guys Back
The New York Yankees potential downfall happened during the same timeline when designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton got injured. He is recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to return by the end of the month that too without a minor league rehab assignment. Stanton was hitting .292 with a .946 OPS in first two months of the year.
Additionally, versatile infielder Jon Berti will also be coming back from IL around the same timeline. Berti went 1-for-36 with a .306 hitting average before ensuring a calf strain in the final week of May. Hence, this duo’s return from IL could be a game-changing factor in the revival of the offenses. By the end of July or early August, the New York Yankees hitting lineup could become whole and content again and may start scoring runs.
3. Yankees Front Office Must Get Reinforcement At Trade Deadline
The New York Yankees have to swallow the hard pill of their roster not being good enough to make it to the postseason alone. The roster needs reinforcements, which could be achieved by the upcoming trade deadline. Marlins infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr is someone the Yankees have had their eyes on. They reportedly enquired about him earlier this month.
LA Angels’ Luis Rengifo, Reds’ Jonathan India, and Giants’ Matt Chapman are also some named being actively linked to the New York Yankees. GM Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees would keep an open mind at the deadline and hence a couple of big moves, particularly in the infield and bullpen, on August 1 cannot be ruled out at the moment.
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