So it's easy to talk about the positives and the Yankees are having an amazing season so far.
Very much so considering they've done all this without Gerrit Cole.
For me the biggest surprise is how well Anthony Volpe has been at the plate. The most noticeable improvement for him has been avoiding strikeouts. He's shaved 7% off his k-rate so far. I think he will continue to have a good season, and we have to remember that while projections are one thing, he's a developing player and he could overperform. I really questioned him coming into the season and I'm happy that he's proven me wrong so far.
Luis Gil came out of nowhere and I suppose that's an even bigger surprise, but I'm not even sure fans knew who Gil was 6 months ago. Still, he's been electric and the only real concern is how they protect his arm going forward.
Now for the concerns...
I suppose it bears repeating -- this lineup just isn't great once you move off Soto and Judge. But if they remain healthy, they're good enough.
It's quite clear now that Anthony Rizzo is finished -- at least as a reliable 1B for the Yankees. His walk rate is down and he just doesn't make enough hard contact to get on base consistently anymore. I have to think that the Yankees will approach the trade deadline with serious interest in finding a 1B. Rizzo has a 17M club option that's definitely not getting picked up. There has been talk about moving DJ LeMahieu to 1B but it's not like he's any better.
Same argument applies to 3B. LeMahieu and Cabrera haven't shown to be much of a threat there. This one is trickier because I don't think there's a good 3B on the trade market right now. They'll probably just have to stick this one out until they can go all-in for Munetaka Murakami (assuming he's a legit talent).
If you asked me a month ago, I'd have said Gleyber was done. He looked legitimately terrible. But he's gotten more respectable over the past month. Not great. But projections have him being above average at the position the rest of the way. Certainly not good enough to justify extending him, but good enough that you can trust inserting him in the lineup every day.
I was one of the few guys who still believed that Carlos Rodon had something left in the tank, and he's been good so far. I am concerned that his K rate is down significantly from his peak years in Chicago and San Francisco. He's only around 23% so far. I don't think Rodon will implode in the 2nd half but I do think he's closer to #3-4 starter than #2 starter -- and well, if Gil and Cole are gonna pitch the way they have, Rodon at the #3 is pretty dang good. Still, I just wanted to point this out as something to keep an eye on.
The last point I'll make here...there's been talk about the Yankees bullpen not striking enough batters out. I agree, it's a worry. Perhaps the most realistic move the Yankees make at the trade deadline is trying to get some lights out relief pitching. Clay Holmes blew a save yesterday but he's not striking out enough batters as he did in 2023 and there have been a number of shaky outings even in the games he's successfully closed. I can't say with any confidence which relievers might be targeted, but without question the biggest name everyone will be after is Mason Miller.
Very much so considering they've done all this without Gerrit Cole.
For me the biggest surprise is how well Anthony Volpe has been at the plate. The most noticeable improvement for him has been avoiding strikeouts. He's shaved 7% off his k-rate so far. I think he will continue to have a good season, and we have to remember that while projections are one thing, he's a developing player and he could overperform. I really questioned him coming into the season and I'm happy that he's proven me wrong so far.
Luis Gil came out of nowhere and I suppose that's an even bigger surprise, but I'm not even sure fans knew who Gil was 6 months ago. Still, he's been electric and the only real concern is how they protect his arm going forward.
Now for the concerns...
I suppose it bears repeating -- this lineup just isn't great once you move off Soto and Judge. But if they remain healthy, they're good enough.
It's quite clear now that Anthony Rizzo is finished -- at least as a reliable 1B for the Yankees. His walk rate is down and he just doesn't make enough hard contact to get on base consistently anymore. I have to think that the Yankees will approach the trade deadline with serious interest in finding a 1B. Rizzo has a 17M club option that's definitely not getting picked up. There has been talk about moving DJ LeMahieu to 1B but it's not like he's any better.
Same argument applies to 3B. LeMahieu and Cabrera haven't shown to be much of a threat there. This one is trickier because I don't think there's a good 3B on the trade market right now. They'll probably just have to stick this one out until they can go all-in for Munetaka Murakami (assuming he's a legit talent).
If you asked me a month ago, I'd have said Gleyber was done. He looked legitimately terrible. But he's gotten more respectable over the past month. Not great. But projections have him being above average at the position the rest of the way. Certainly not good enough to justify extending him, but good enough that you can trust inserting him in the lineup every day.
I was one of the few guys who still believed that Carlos Rodon had something left in the tank, and he's been good so far. I am concerned that his K rate is down significantly from his peak years in Chicago and San Francisco. He's only around 23% so far. I don't think Rodon will implode in the 2nd half but I do think he's closer to #3-4 starter than #2 starter -- and well, if Gil and Cole are gonna pitch the way they have, Rodon at the #3 is pretty dang good. Still, I just wanted to point this out as something to keep an eye on.
The last point I'll make here...there's been talk about the Yankees bullpen not striking enough batters out. I agree, it's a worry. Perhaps the most realistic move the Yankees make at the trade deadline is trying to get some lights out relief pitching. Clay Holmes blew a save yesterday but he's not striking out enough batters as he did in 2023 and there have been a number of shaky outings even in the games he's successfully closed. I can't say with any confidence which relievers might be targeted, but without question the biggest name everyone will be after is Mason Miller.
They were happy as fukk Judge got out.
