The New York Yankees are currently 60-58 and are facing the possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They could also end the season with a losing record for the first time in three decades. The Yankees have been consistently successful over the past 30 years, making this decline particularly shocking. The team’s recent struggles have brought attention to the ownership and the decisions made by general manager Brian Cashman.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed the team’s need for victories after a recent loss to the Miami Marlins. The Yankees have a record of 24-33 in their last 57 games and have gone 84-78 since last season. The team’s struggles can no longer be considered a small sample size. They have been a mediocre team for over a year now.
The roster lacks impact players beyond Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole. Big-name veterans like Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu have underperformed, and key players Carlos Rodón and Luis Severino have been hampered by injuries. In addition, the team has relied on lesser-known players who have not consistently produced. Overall, the Yankees have lacked the depth and performance needed to sustain success.
Despite the team’s ongoing issues, it is expected that GM Brian Cashman will remain in his position for the 2024 season. Cashman has been with the Yankees for 26 seasons and has seen success in the past. However, some believe that fresh perspectives and new approaches are needed to address the team’s current struggles.
In 2018, following their surprising run to Game 7 of the ALCS in 2017, the Yankees made the decision to reduce payroll. This move was in response to the team exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold multiple times in previous years. The decision to cut payroll was met with criticism, as it seemed counterproductive to scale back after coming so close to a World Series berth. It also raised questions about the team’s commitment to fielding the best possible team.
The Yankees’ allocation of funds has also been called into question. While they have spent a significant amount of money on their roster, the team has not effectively utilized these resources. Some of their highest-paid players have underperformed, and the team has missed opportunities to sign impactful free agents. The team’s roster has been dominated by right-handed hitters, despite playing home games at Yankee Stadium, which favors left-handed batters.
Another factor in the Yankees’ decline has been the regression of their young hitters. Many of the team’s promising prospects had initial success upon reaching the majors but have since struggled to sustain their performance. Players like Miguel Andújar, Clint Frazier, and Gary Sánchez showed promise early on but have not been able to maintain their level of play.
Lastly, the team has faced its fair share of bad luck, including injuries to key players like Aaron Judge and setbacks in pursuing top talent like Shohei Ohtani. However, it is important to note that every team deals with adversity, and the Yankees’ resources should position them to overcome these challenges.
In conclusion, the New York Yankees’ decline since 2017 can be attributed to a combination of ownership decisions, poor allocation of funds, underperforming players, and a lack of success in player development. These factors have contributed to the team’s struggles and highlight the need for changes in both the front office and on-field performance.
