It’s not a secret to anybody that the 2023 New York Yankees were one of the most disappointing teams in baseball.
They reached the American League Championship Series last year, but this time, they finished 82-80, not particularly close to a postseason spot.
While the pitching was good (not great or deep, though), the offense was a major problem.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner had some choice words when referring to the team’s season this year, per Talkin’ Yanks.
Hal didn't mince words about the 2023 season pic.twitter.com/3aZw5YzGec
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) November 7, 2023
“It was awful. We accomplished nothing,” he said, and he is right.
There are depth issues all over the roster, but the offense is the most problematic unit.
The Yankees lost Aaron Judge for 56 games this year, and it hurt.
Overall, they ranked 25th out of 30 MLB teams with 673 runs scored.
That was an ugly showing by a group of aging, struggling hitters with limited upside at this point.
The Yankees have talked about changing the way they approach the game, hired an analytics firm to evaluate their processes, and have changed their hitting coach twice in the last few months.
They are desperate, and might rush into things as a result.
The best teams in MLB were built from within, through the draft/trades/international market, and by prioritizing their prospects.
The Yankees have quality prospects, but are not always eager to give them a fair chance.
To get better, they need to optimize scouting and bring in an offensive mastermind to take over the hitting side in the organization, just as Matt Blake and Sam Briend have done it with the pitching.
This requires the right investments and patience.
Will the Yankees have the willingness to exercise both?
NEXT: Yankees Congratulate Ace For Expected Honor
