The 2023 MLB season has put the New York Yankees in a weird spot. The 82-80 season exposed the club’s shortcomings and internal flaws, which need to be corrected before embarking on the 2024 season. Thus, weeks ahead of spring training, here are four such aspects the franchise must look into before kicking off a comeback journey.
Get Anthony Volpe To Play All Fields
While shortstop Anthony Volpe endured a decent season in his rookie year, the is enough room for improvement. First things first, Yankees must train him to use all fields in majors as he switched that approach after transition from minors. Volpe remains the team’s future. And thus, the franchise seems keen on allowing him the time to develop and learn from his mistakes. But at the same time, his rookie year reflected on his weakness. Now that he has that information available, he must post a better season in 2024. “Just the all-around consistency [is the next step],” manager Aaron Boone said at the recently concluded winter meetings.
Yankees Must Keep Carlos Rodon And Nestor Cortes Off IL
Had Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes pitched up to the standards, the New York Yankees wouldn’t have missed the postseason. While Rodon strained his forearm and lower back, Cortes was shut down due to multiple rotator cuff strains. Having said that, ahead of the 2024 season, the duo seems healthy. Moreover, as per Aaron Boone, both the pitchers have ramped up winter training and remain in a good spot. Thus, if the Yankees get these guys healthy in the rotation for most part of the year, they surely won’t miss the void of Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Yankees Should Review Analytics’ Usage
New York Yankees’ analytical department bore the brunt of the team’s 2023 season. While critics had their reasons, things took a turn when captain Aaron Judge indirectly questioned the authenticity of numbers. Subsequently, Hal Steinbrenner partnered up with third-party firm Zeus Analytics for analytical review. Having said that, the main key to putting the numeric data to best use is to simplify those charts for the players. Team management has to be the communication bridge between the players and the research department. The manager, Aaron Boone, has recognized that gap and promised to make it better in 2024.
Decide On Giancarlo Stanton Already
Giancarlo Stanton still owns $98 million in the next four years. Thus, the Yankees are forced to back him despite visible regression. Stanton seems to have passed his prime and is no longer the slugger who used to intimidate the opposition. In 2023, the slugger recorded its career-worst season, and if history repeats in 2024, Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman must not delay in taking a call on his future. A trade is out of the picture since Stanton has a no-trade clause. Thus, releasing him remains the only choice. Nonetheless, Stanton has promised a turnaround, and the team is also banking on him to make a difference in 2024.