Reflecting on the 2022 Season and Moving Forward
The New York Yankees have had just over three months to reflect on their near-miss in the 2022 World Series, where they fell short to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This time has been crucial for evaluating what went wrong and how to improve the roster for the upcoming season. The Yankees made significant additions, including first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, outfielder Cody Bellinger, closer Devin Williams, and starter Max Fried. However, the loss of Juan Soto to the New York Mets was a significant blow. General Manager Brian Cashman, who admitted that losing Soto "hurts," was cautious about whether the current roster is definitively better than the previous one. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the team has made strategic moves to address its weaknesses.
Defensive Overhaul
Cashman was candid about the team’s defensive shortcomings, stating bluntly, "We were bad defensively." He acknowledged that the team struggled in multiple positions and that the advanced metrics might not have fully captured the extent of these issues. To address this, the Yankees made several defensive upgrades. Cashman is confident that these additions will significantly improve the team’s run prevention capabilities, making the defense more robust and versatile. The goal is to ensure that the defensive improvements will allow the team to perform better in critical moments, potentially extending their postseason run.
The Rising Star: Jasson Dominguez
One of the most exciting prospects for the Yankees is outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Cashman expressed optimism about Dominguez’s potential, noting that the young player has the talent to make a significant impact. Dominguez missed a significant portion of the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent strain, but he is now back and ready to contribute. The Yankees are eager to see Dominguez perform on both sides of the ball and are giving him a chance to prove himself. Cashman believes that Dominguez has a clear path to a meaningful role on the team and is looking forward to witnessing his development.
The Uncertainty at Second and Third Base
DJ LeMahieu’s injury-plagued 2022 season was a significant setback for the Yankees. The veteran infielder played in only 67 games and struggled with career-low numbers. Cashman emphasized that the team will give LeMahieu an opportunity to compete for the starting third base position this spring. The hope is that a healthy LeMahieu can return to his previous form and provide the stability and production the team needs. However, the competition at second and third base remains open, with Cashman noting that it is unusual for a team to have every position fully solidified entering spring training. This uncertainty adds an element of intrigue to the preseason, as players will have to earn their spots through performance.
Taking a Chance on Young Catchers
The Yankees made a bold move by trading Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds, a decision that Cashman described as challenging. Trevino had been a reliable presence behind the plate, and his departure leaves a significant void. However, the team is confident in the young catchers Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra, who are set to compete for the catching roles this spring. Cashman acknowledged the risks involved but believed that the potential rewards make the decision worthwhile. The young catchers will be given the opportunity to prove themselves, and the Yankees are hopeful that they can step up and contribute to the team’s success.
Aaron Boone’s Contract Situation
The contract situation for manager Aaron Boone remains a topic of interest. Cashman confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and there is a possibility that a deal will be reached before the end of spring training. The Yankees picked up Boone’s option for the 2025 season last year, but the organization’s goal is to extend his contract beyond that. Cashman praised Boone’s temperament and his ability to handle the pressures of managing in New York, which he described as a significant strength. Despite the criticism Boone has faced from fans, Cashman believes that Boone’s leadership is invaluable, and the team is working to ensure he remains at the helm for the long term.
