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In the early days of spring training, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman indicated the challenges that would soon beset the team. Cashman faced the necessity of significant changes after right fielder Juan Soto made headlines by signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the crosstown Mets. In response, the Yankees sought reinforcement through free agency, acquiring left-hander Max Fried and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, while also trading for closer Devin Williams and center fielder Cody Bellinger.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of baseball, Cashman remarked, “It never goes the way you think it should go. It’s a game where you go through tough times. There’s never a season where everything goes your way. Things happen and you’ve got to adjust.” His foresight proved accurate, as the Yankees faced significant injury challenges throughout spring training.
The team’s ace, Gerrit Cole, suffered a torn elbow ligament that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Additionally, reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil strained his right lat muscle and has been unable to throw since the injury. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton arrived at camp with elbow tendinitis, sidelining him from play, while infielder DJ LeMahieu is on the injured list due to a strained calf sustained in an early Grapefruit League matchup.
Despite these difficulties, the Yankees have managed to maintain a strong start to the season, posting a record of 15-10, which places them at the top of the American League East and a game and a half ahead of the Boston Red Sox. They are also tied with the Detroit Tigers for the best record in the American League.
Financially, the Yankees have the means to navigate these injuries better than most major league teams, boasting a player payroll of $290.8 million, ranking third overall in MLB, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers and Mets.
However, manager Aaron Boone emphasized that financial resources are not the sole reason for the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity. He pointed out the resilience shown by his players in the face of setbacks. “Every team deals with it,” Boone stated regarding the injuries. “I felt like we had a lot of really good things happening in spring training, especially with our position players. They all got the right playing time and buildup. For the most part, all of those guys have gone out and played tremendously to start the season.”
The Yankees’ offense has indeed flourished, aligning with Boone’s optimism. The team averages 5.48 runs per game, ranking second in the league, just behind the Chicago Cubs. Notably, the Yankees lead the majors with 41 home runs, and their .806 OPS ties with the Cubs for the highest in baseball.
Star right fielder Aaron Judge is off to an exceptional season, leading all players with a .415 batting average, a .513 on-base percentage, a .734 slugging percentage, a 1.247 OPS, and 39 hits. Meanwhile, Goldschmidt, at 37 years old, has revitalized his performance, boasting a .383 batting average, placing him second in the American League, with a .433 on-base percentage ranking fourth. His previous season with the St. Louis Cardinals saw him record the lowest OPS of his lengthy career.
Emerging players have also made significant contributions, with Ben Rice stepping into the designated hitter role for Stanton and impressively hitting six home runs with a 1.015 OPS. Outfielder Trent Grisham has matched that home run count while posting a higher OPS at 1.093, thus affecting Bellinger’s playing time, as Bellinger struggles with a .527 OPS.
For Fried, who is living up to his substantial eight-year, $218 million contract, the Yankees’ offensive prowess is a welcomed benefit. He has secured a 4-0 record with a 1.52 ERA through five starts. “It’s been incredible, especially the early runs,” Fried acknowledged. “It takes a lot off me, where I know I can be a little more aggressive and go after guys.”
As a team, the Yankees have maintained a 3.86 ERA even amid the absence of Cole and Gil. However, Williams has experienced a tough transition, currently holding a 7.88 ERA after previously having a 1.83 mark over six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite these setbacks, the Yankees remain optimistic about their chances of contending for a World Series title this season, especially following their return to the playoffs last year and winning the AL pennant, although they ultimately fell to the Dodgers in five games.
“We certainly feel we have a roster that is very capable, and we should slowly but surely start getting some of the injured guys back in the mix,” Boone said. “I feel like we’re in a good spot in a lot of ways.”
Source
www.forbes.com