2023 was a rough year for the New York Yankees. The team was riddled with injuries, under-performance, and never lived up to the usual high expectations. All this culminated with the Yankees missing the postseason with the highest AL payroll. For a team that measures their success in World Series Championships, they never had a chance. Players have already been talking about the season with a change in mind. Aaron Judge mentioned how things “happened this year that opened some people’s eyes” and that “hopefully the right people saw it.” Shortly after the season concluded, fans were met with disjointed press conferences from owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman that left fans feeling unsatisfied and shell-shocked in others. Now that the dust has settled and some positive change has occurred by obtaining Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo via trade, there is a glimmer of hope that the 2024 season will be exciting. This could be a season to seize the opportunity to become a top-tier organization again.
With that, here is my list of what the Yankees should do with those opportunities in the form of resolutions:
Have Patience: Jasson Dominguez
Dominguez was an absolute firecracker when he joined the major league roster last season, hammering four home runs with seven RBI in only eight games. A sudden UCL tear removed him from the roster in an abrupt fashion. The Yankees need consistent value added from a player like Dominguez. This starts with him not rushing back from injury, only to prolong his recovery.
Embrace Your Surroundings: Juan Soto
The Yankees traded away key assets to acquire Juan Soto earlier this offseason with the full intention of signing him to the team long-term. Soto will receive a “trial” year of sorts this season, and hopefully, he embraces it to the Yankees’ benefit. If he gets off to a slow start, though, the waters can become treacherous for the superstar in the Bronx. It can be tough being a player coming off successes elsewhere and then struggling in New York; ask Giancarlo Stanton.
Make the Most of New Beginnings: Alex Verdugo
After stating that he was excited to join the Yankees while taking subtle jabs at the Red Sox organization, Verdugo was met with praise from one side and criticism from the other, as to be expected. Verdugo’s occasional spells of lateness and non-hustle can’t happen in New York. He has the potential to provide a much-needed jolt of positive energy to his new team and has the personality to become a fan favorite if played correctly.
Let Go of the Past: Giancarlo Stanton
Frequent IL stints and embarrassing plate appearances defined Stanton’s 2023 season, and he still hit 24 runs in just over 100 games played. The 2017 MVP has fallen out of the good graces of Yankees fans as of late and will be working to regain their trust again. Stanton’s mightiest fault is the injury bug and how long it takes for him to shake off the rust after the fact. But when Stanton is dialed in.. he’s still one of the most intimidating hitters in the league. If Stanton can make the proper adjustments to his training and is granted a touch of luck, he may see himself become an asset to his team again.
Become Nasty Again: Nestor Cortes
“Nasty” Nestor Cortes came off of an all-star season in 2022, only to be met with a tumultuous, injury-riddled effort in 2023. Two appearances on the injured list due to rotator cuff strains limited Cortes to 12 starts in 2023, with a bloated 4.97 ERA. A healthy start to the 2024 season could be what Cortes needs to get back on track.
Believe in Yourself: Carlos Rodon
Rodon came into the 2023 season injured and seemed to have rushed his return to the mound. He was not in tune physically or mentally, evidenced by his odd behavior toward fans and bad body language. These instances would lead you to believe he is not a fit for New York. If the Yankees want Rodon to become their number two starter, for whom they’ve been paying $ 162 million for over six years, then this narrative must change fast.
Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard: Anthony Volpe
The former top-prospect and hometown kid for the Yankees had high expectations leading into 2023. The first full season for Volpe was a period of growth, as he struggled to get on base throughout the season, but he can be proud of winning his first Gold Glove award. The worst thing that Volpe can do is to continue pushing himself for more power at the plate. The Yankees need consistent hitters, and if he can raise his on-base percentage to a serviceable rate, his threat of swiping a bag on the base paths could lead to him getting knocked in for a run by his more powerful peers.
Become the Leader of a Pennant Winning Team: Aaron Judge
Judge’s first season as Captain of the New York Yankees was marred by a lengthy injury and a rare playoff miss. He’s got the pulse of the team and the ear of ownership, offering fixes for 2024. Now, it’s time to put those suggestions into practice.
Invest in the Right Opportunities: Brian Cashman
Cashman is coming off the disappointment of missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and traded several pitchers in a key deal with the Padres to secure Juan Soto for a one-year rental. Needless to say, the Yankees need pitching help. The question is if Cashman is comfortable giving up more players in a trade for a frontline pitcher like Burnes, Cease, or Bieber; or if he is allowed the funds to spend freely in free agency on options like Blake Snell or familiar face and recent World Series Champion Jordan Montgomery.
