The New York Yankees had a good offseason.
It wasn’t excellent, but it was good: they retained Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, the brought back an old friend in the bullpen in Tommy Kahnle, and signed star left-hander Carlos Rodon, among other things.
However, the offense that struggled for most of the second half and the playoffs is virtually the same.
That does not bode well for their 2023 chances of overcoming the Houston Astros and the elite of the American League.
The Yanks’ offense was dominated by Houston in the Championship Series, and it’s virtually the same group they will be fielding again this year.
To sum up, the Bombers failed to address two important positions.
1. Left Field
It appears Aaron Hicks will be the man in charge of manning left field most nights, which is less than ideal.
Hicks has been good before, but is already 33 and has struggled offensively for two straight years now.
He posted a 76 wRC in 2021 and a 90 mark in 2022.
The Yankees were in on Brandon Nimmo, Andrew Benintendi, and even Bryan Reynolds via trade, but failed to secure one of them and are stuck with Hicks unless they want to play Oswaldo Cabrera regularly, which they should.
Cabrera, Estevan Florial, and some spring training invitees will compete with Hicks for the spot.
2. Third Base
Josh Donaldson was a very good defensive third baseman in 2022 for the Yankees.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t as productive with the bat.
He managed to hit just 15 home runs in 546 plate appearances, slashing a mediocre .222/.308/.374.
He is also a controversial player who is not very popular among fans.
Still, the Yankees couldn’t bring in any upgrades.
They have the option to play DJ LeMahieu there, and they should because he is still an above-average hitter, unlike Donaldson.
Me when I see Donaldson and Hicks in the lineup
— Eric (@Medic968) February 1, 2023
They have tried to trade JD, unsuccessfully.
Who will be the starter come Opening Day?
NEXT: Anthony Volpe Leads An Important Yankees List
