The New York Yankees did not have the 2023 season they wished for. It was horrible because they could not make the postseason. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers finished with an 82-80 record. Fans call it the worst in the franchise’s history. At least, in the last thirty years, it is quite hard to remember when the NY side performed so horribly. The last time the 27-time champions failed to make the postseason was back in 2016. Moreover, there is already news of a new bench coach and other changes in the personnel. On top of that, very early in the offseason, the Yankees waived six players off their 40-member roster.
It will help them in their pursuit of superstar-free agents available in the market. For instance, the Yankees may go hard at the Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the lefty outfielder Cody Bellinger and superstar Juan Soto. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers had links with Bellinger in terms of trade rumors since last year. But Bellinger played for the Chicago Cubs last season. Anyway, other options like mid-tier free agents can also entice Brian Cashman. For instance, the prospect of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a viable option for the NY side.
Yankees Should Also Look For Mid-Tier Agents Like Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Lastly, Gurriel played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the runners-up in the 2023 World Series. Since he’s a free agent now, the former foe of the Yankees in the AL East can be a potential target for the Big Apple. He can hit 20 home runs in a season. Moreover, the 30-year-old left fielder has a pretty low walk rate. On top of that, he has a pretty big and good arm for the left field. Thus, he makes the case for an intriguing free agent that should interest the NY side. Albeit, Gurriel is not a perfect slugger.
Since, he has a low walk rate, his wRC+, OBP, and other stats suffer as a consequence. In 2023, Gurriel was able to hit .261. Moreover, his batting average is .279. He had a low strikeout rate of 17.4%. It should entice the Yankees because they had the second-worst batting average in 2023, only better than the Oakland Athletics. Moreover, the offense is decaying, and that should concern the Yankees. In such a situation, Gurriel, with 113 wRC+, can turn out to be the best hitter for the franchise.
NY Side Bringing A Lot Of Changes This Offseason
In the previous few seasons, Aaron Boone’s side made it to the playoffs, but they could not really go very far. However, in 2023, the long Injured List played its role in weakening the roster. Eventually, the Yankees lost balance and ended up not going to the playoffs. Moreover, the captain, Aaron Judge, wants the franchise to make significant changes this offseason.
It is essential for the franchise so that they can reach the World Series in the near future. However, it is not that easy for the front office to turn things around this offseason. But they can try hard as they need to make changes in the players, coaches, analytics, and so on departments.
