For the past couple of seasons, we’ve covered the “state of the union” for each team in MLB on our YouTube channel. And this year, we renew that series and examine the condition of each franchise. This article is our State of the New York Yankees.
MAJOR ACQUISITIONS: CARLOS RODON & AARON JUDGE (RESIGN)
The New York Yankees made only a few moves this off-season. However, each of the moves this offseason were impactful moves. The resigning of Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo reaffirmed the Yankees’ leadership core. Resigning Judge and Rizzo returns the Yankees their plus offensive core. The addition of Carlos Rodon gives the Yankees a plus rotation that could arguably be the best in baseball.
SIGNIFICANT INJURIES: FRANKIE MONTAS & CARLOS RODON
The Yankees’ rotation could have gone down as one of the best ever to be assembled. However, injuries have derailed that opportunity. Frankie Montas will be out for an unknown amount of time with a right shoulder issue. Rodon will also find himself on the Injured List to begin the season. Carlos likely won’t spend more than a few weeks on the IL to start the season.
TOP PROSPECT ANTHONY VOLPE (SS)
Anthony Volpe is the number one prospect in the Yankees’ farm system. Volpe’s hit tool has been among the best in the Yankees’ system. For the Yankees’ this Spring Training has been the Anthony Volpe show. Yankee’s GM, Brian Cashman, called Volpe when the offseason started to tell Anthony he was being given the opportunity to make the team with a good Spring campaign. And while the Yankees will likely cause an uproar and send Volpe to Triple-A to begin the season, there’s little doubt that Volpe will be a tremendous addition to the Yankees’ roster whenever he gets called up.
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 60
BOLD PREDICTION: YANKEES WIN THE WORLD SERIES
The boldest of predictions for the Major League Baseball season is to predict the World Series winner. And it’s in that spirit that we predict the Yankees will win the World Series. It won’t be an easy battle, as many American and National League teams could walk away victorious. The moves the Yankees’ made, plus the infusion of talented young prospects, will give the Yankees the necessary additions to win the ultimate prize, the World Series.
DIVISIONAL RANKING PREDICTION: 1ST IN AL EAST
Before the 2022 season, the Yankees were viewed by many pundits as the third or fourth-best team in the division. However, we believed differently and were proven correct. Going into the 2023 season, the Yankees are viewed much differently. The 2023 season will be important for the Yankees as they attempt to end the 13-year World Series-less drought. In 2023, the Yankees will again claim the American League East Division en route to the World Series.
PITCHING STAFF GRADE: B+
At the outset of the Spring, the Yankees’ pitching staff could have graded out as at least an “A” grade overall. However, after the injuries to multiple pitchers, the Yankees are in a different position. New York’s pitching staff still rates out as one of the best in baseball. And once the injured arms return, the Yankees’ pitching staff will produce better results.
OFFENSIVE GRADE: B+
The Yankees’ offense has been its dominant calling card for many years. New York has been known as the Bronx Bombers for their propensity to hit home runs. And the 2023 season should bring about much of the same results. The Yankees’ offense will give them a lot of wins. Getting a player like DJ LeMahieu back and healthy will give the Yankees a different offensive approach. The prospects that will play a significant factor in the Yankees’ success will also have a contact-first approach that will help the Yankees increase their odds of winning. While the Yankees have an excellent pitching staff, the offense is equally capable of being dominant.
OFFSEASON GRADE: A-
The Yankees’ offseason was half about resigning their stars and the other half about adding pitching help. Aaron Judge was the obvious PRIORITY. However, resigning Anthony Rizzo was equally important and a helpful deciding factor for Judge to return. Adding Carlos Rodon and Tommy Kahnle (both will start on the IL) are plus additions to the pitching staff. For the Yankees, this offseason focused on Aaron Judge, and as long as that was completed, the offseason was a success.
FRANCHISE GRADE: A
The New York Yankees are MLB’s most successful franchise. Being a 27-time World Series winner comes with certain expectations. And the Yankees’ have failed to achieve those fan expectations since 2009. The upcoming 2023 season will represent another opportunity to return the championship to the Bronx. Offensively and defensively, the Yankees are a better team heading into the 2023 season. New York’s pitching additions will also increase the Yankees’ chances of winning the World Series. The Yankees will also have the financial resources to add anything more that is needed.
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