What Is Wrong with the New York Yankees?

The New York Yankees reached a breaking point as an organization. While many teams can look at the star power and record and maybe think things aren’t too bad, what has transpired over the last month hasn’t shocked the Yankee fan base. 

2024 is now another season in which the Yankees get off to a great start, only to vomit all over themselves through a horrendous stretch of baseball. So who's to blame?

Well, it’s complicated. 

Is it the forever-tenured Brian Cashman, who appears to have a job for life with the winningest franchise in sports? 

As much as Yankee fans have grown to loathe the veteran general manager, he did acquire a top player last December in Juan Soto. He upgraded the outfield and didn’t overspend on free-agent pitchers such as Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. There was reasonable hope for DJ LeMahieu to still be a solid everyday third baseman and for Anthony Rizzo at first base. 

Considering LeMahieu finished last season strong, and Rizzo was excelling before his collision with Fernando Tatis Jr., it made sense to at least start the season with them. However, they are churning out awful years. Cashman has this year's trade deadline to fix what is a crucial season for this franchise. 

Do you blame Aaron Boone? 

It’s hard to nitpick Boone's lineups when he’s choosing between several piss-poor hitters. However, the consistent pattern of strong starts followed by awful months is something that has continued under Boone’s management. 

Do you blame the players? 

After a stellar start, Anthony Volpe has crumbled and disappointed—the same with newly acquired Alex Verdugo. After coming off a very good season, Gleyber Torres has laid a dud so far in his contract year. LeMahieu and Rizzo look as finished as ever.

The one bright spot that came unexpectedly is the season Giancarlo Stanton is having. However, it’s not shocking that he missed a month with a hamstring injury. 

What is clear is the Yankees need Stanton back, plus 1-2 more bats, or else opposing teams will continue to pitch around their two stars. While pitching has been far from perfect after a stellar start, it’s the lack of offense that continues to hurt this team.

There is still enough time to alter the ship for the Yankees. The 2024 American League lacks dominance. The Houston Astros don't look the same. The Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and Minnesota Twins have yet to showcase winning in the postseason. The Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals have overachieved expectations.

There is no excuse for the Yankees to miss the World Series this year, but that doesn’t mean it will happen. There is no question that a lot this winter ride on how this team finishes in 2024.