The Yankees Begin Spring Training with High Hopes
Coming off a thrilling run to the 2022 World Series, the New York Yankees’ pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa on Tuesday, with spring training workouts set to kick off on Wednesday. Manager Aaron Boone, in his eighth season at the helm, expressed his excitement and cautious optimism as the team embarks on another competitive season. "We have high hopes and big dreams," Boone said, emphasizing the importance of the work ahead. "It’s an exciting time, but it’s February, and we have a long journey ahead of us. We have a chance to be a really good club, and now it’s on us to start doing the work."
Reflecting on the Juan Soto Pivot
The Yankees’ front office faced a significant challenge when Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets, but Boone is confident in the team’s ability to adapt and rebuild. "There’s no running from the fact of losing a player like Juan Soto," he acknowledged. "We did a lot to try to keep him here, and everyone understands how much we wanted him back. However, there are many ways to build a great team, and I think the moves we’ve made this offseason give us that chance." Boone praised the front office’s pivot, noting that the team has a solid foundation and the additions they’ve made over the winter enhance their chances of returning to the World Series. "We’ve got a long road ahead of us, but with the moves we’ve made, I believe we have the template to succeed."
Competing for the Starting Third Base Job
The battle for the starting third base position is shaping up to be a key storyline this spring. DJ LeMahieu, known for his exceptional defensive skills and hitting prowess, is healthy and ready to make an impact. "DJ’s healthy, which has really been the issue for him over the last couple of years," Boone explained. "I’m not going to put anything past a healthy DJ LeMahieu and his ability to hit. Hopefully he’s one of those guys who kicks the door in and runs with it." Other contenders for the position include Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and Jordit Vivas. "Oswaldo Cabrera, Peraza, Vivas—all these guys have the opportunity to step up and grab the job," Boone added. "If it becomes a shared position, that’s possible too, but we’re looking for someone to take ownership and run with it."
Jasson Dominguez: The Future in Left Field
One of the most watched players this spring is Jasson Dominguez, the highly touted young outfielder. Boone expressed confidence in Dominguez’s potential, while also emphasizing the need for him to earn the starting left field position. "I’d like to think [Dominguez is the starting left fielder], but he’s a young guy who still has to go out and earn it," Boone said. "He hasn’t played a ton of baseball for as fast as he’s gotten to the big leagues and as much success as we’ve seen him have." Despite his youth and limited experience, Dominguez’s talent is undeniable. "He’s in a good spot right now, he’s got a good look in his eye, and he’s going to get every opportunity to be that guy," Boone concluded. "We are certainly hoping that he shows us he’s ready."
Boone’s Contract Talks and Future with the Yankees
As Boone enters his final year under contract, the topic of his future with the Yankees has been a point of interest. While nothing has been finalized yet, Boone revealed that there have been some talks. "There have been some talks around that, and that’ll handle itself and work itself out," he said. "The reality is I’m so fired up to be here today and to work for this organization and for Hal [Steinbrenner] that hopefully something does work out." Boone’s commitment to the Yankees is clear, and he emphasized that there is no other place he would rather be. "There’s no other place I’d rather be, and no other team I’d rather be doing it with. So, we’ll see how that stuff plays out, but we at least have had some talks."
A Fresh Start and a Promising Future
As the Yankees gear up for the 2023 season, the team’s focus is on building on last year’s success and making another deep postseason run. Boone’s words reflect a mix of excitement and realism, acknowledging the challenges ahead while remaining confident in the team’s abilities. "We have a talented group, capable of a lot of things," he said. "Now it’s on us to start doing the work." With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Yankees are poised to be a formidable force once again. As spring training begins, the stage is set for a new chapter in the storied history of the Bronx Bombers.
