The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for the New York Yankees. After reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009, their hopes of clinching a championship were dashed when they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. The series revealed significant weaknesses, such as poor defensive play and questionable managerial decisions, including the controversial move of bringing Nestor Cortes out of the bullpen in Game 1. The Dodgers capitalized on these mistakes, and their playful jabs at the Yankees’ defense only added salt to the wound.
The Yankees’ offseason got off to a tough start with the loss of superstar right fielder Juan Soto, who agreed to a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the crosstown New York Mets. Replacing a player of Soto’s caliber is no easy task, but the Yankees responded by doubling down on defense and pitching.
Key acquisitions, such as left-handed ace Max Fried, who signed a record-breaking eight-year, $218 million deal, and closer Devin Williams, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, were made with the goal of strengthening their pitching staff. Additionally, former Gold Glove winner Cody Bellinger was brought in from the Chicago Cubs to take over in center field, allowing reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge to return to right field, where he is considered a much stronger defensive presence compared to Soto. The Yankees also bolstered their infield with the signing of Paul Goldschmidt to shore up first base, where they had struggled in 2023.
Despite these moves, the Yankees’ spring training has been riddled with injuries that have dramatically altered their outlook for the season. Ace Gerrit Cole is out after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is sidelined with a lat strain, further weakening their pitching depth. Key offensive players like Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu are also starting the season on the injured list due to various issues, leaving the team without two of their biggest hitters.
With so many injuries to key players, the Yankees’ season now seems more uncertain. While their projections still favor them as a playoff contender, with a 70.4% chance of advancing, their path to success looks far more challenging than it did during the offseason. The Yankees enter the season ranked 7th in MLB power rankings, just behind their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. However, with the AL East still within reach and their strong roster when healthy, the Yankees remain hopeful they can overcome these early setbacks and still contend for a playoff spot.