The All-Star break is here, which means the New York Yankees only have 66 games left to put themselves in the best possible situation before the playoffs.
Right now, at 53-43, the Yankees have the second-best record in the American League East division, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games. The Yankees held the top spot in the division and a highly coveted top two spot in the American League standings until their most recent series against the Blue Jays north of the border, where they got swept and have continued to slide since.
The good news is, the Yankees have all the makings of a World Series contender this year. The lineup has stayed hot even in losing times, as they currently hold the highest team on-base percentage and slugging percentage in baseball.
Led by MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge, this team has been a tough out all year at the plate. Like everything, it hasn’t been perfect as the Yankees have been one of the least productive teams at third base this year, which should spark general manager Brian Cashman to make a deal.
The pitching has been a tale of two stories so far this season: front-line dominance and poorly timed injuries. The Yankees have ridden the coattails of their two southpaw stars, Max Fried and Carlos Rodon. They are top 10 in the league, each in wins, innings and WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched). The back end of their rotation has featured Clarke Schmidt and Ryan Yarborough, who were great before getting put on the IL with long-term injuries.
Rookie Will Warren has been heaven-sent to this Yankee team, eating innings even when he doesn’t have his A+ stuff. Reinforcements should be on the way as 2024 rookie of the year, Luis Gil, is coming back from injury. Once again this is a spot where Brian Cashman could look to improve.
The August 1 trade deadline is on the way and rival executives expect the Yankees to be very aggresive as the core of this team is aging. This could be their best chance for a while in the young, hungry AL East. Starting pitcher, reliever and third baseman in no order seem to be where the Yankees will look for help. The trendy bet is that the Yankees will acquire at least two of these positions from the struggling and generally cheap, Arizona Diamondbacks. Eugenio Saurez, Merill Kelly and Zac Gallen have been some names floated around, but Cashman isn’t exactly known for making the consensus decisions.
In a season of promise and adversity to this point, it is time for the Yankees to tighten up. The talent is undeniable, and with a couple players at positions of need, the sky is the limit for this ballclub. The margin for error is razor thin, and the window may not be open forever for this veteran-ridden group. The time is now for the New York Yankees.
