The New York Yankees’ season of 2023 was a shocker to the fans and the management alike. A seemingly formidable team was marred by injuries and issues pertaining to management and player development. They wrapped up the season by finishing a lowly fourth in the AL East with an 82-80 record. This revealed a host of struggles faced by the most iconic franchise in MLB history. The Bronx Bombers are facing a bunch of criticism as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. With time on their hands, they’d be expected to make significant changes to the squad and ensure they reverse their fortunes in 2024.

In 2024, the Yankees face multiple vacancies in every position, prompting scrutiny and raising questions about the targets for these positions. As the team seeks to address these challenges, speculation arises about the potential lineup for the 2024 season. As a result, it is sparking discussions on whether the upcoming roster will outperform the 2023 Yankees.

Yankees: A team with multiple vacancies

Heading into the offseason, the Yankees have their plate full. They are at a crucial juncture in history, as their decisions from here will determine the trajectory of the team in the years to come. Their primary aim will be to fill up the positions where they were found lacking in 2023. This will involve making tough decisions based on strategy, such as letting go of underperforming players and bringing in new talents. On a pleasant note, the process seems to have already started.

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Recently, the Yankees have released players like Franchy Cordero and Ryan Weber. Cordero faced challenges in his limited appearances in the majors, batting .188 with eight extra-base hits, including six home runs, 13 RBIs, and a .689 OPS in 24 games this season. On the other hand, Weber achieved notable success, boasting a 2.16 ERA, a 10-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .247 batting average against, and a 1.00 WHIP in 25 innings for the Yankees during the 2022-23 period.

Every position that came under scrutiny

For the pinstripes, injuries and lackluster performances have highlighted their need for reinforcements. Therefore, the onus is on the management to pull up their socks and give the fans a memorable season. When it comes to the infield, there are a bunch of concerns, even in the presence of reputed names. Both Anthony Rizzo and D.J. LeMahieu are big names, but their age and injury concerns raise questions about how much they can solely be depended on over 162 games.

Regarding the outfield positions, there are gaps left by Harrison Baders’ departure that young prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Everson Pereira are expected to fill. When it comes to pitching, it seems all good, as they have Gerrit Cole, but adding more viable options is crucial to addressing their lack of depth when it comes to rotation.

What are the targets of these positions?

For the Yankees, the addition of a third baseman might be crucial to bolstering their ranks. For this task, two players seem like front runners. Matt Chapman of the Blue Jays and his Chicago Cubs counterpart, Jeimer Candelario. The latter’s connection to New York is a close one. The 29-year-old was born in New York before his father moved the family to the Dominican Republic with the aim of establishing a baseball training center.

As for the outfield, they are looking for a player who can add further to their strength. One leading name is Cody Bellinger. The Cubs’ outfielder has the attention of many after a promising 2023 season caught their attention, where he scored 26 home runs at an average of.307. Another prospect they’d have their eyes on is the much-talented Juan Soto. The San Diego Padres star will be in high demand and expensive, but adding a young talent like him will strengthen their chances of reaching October.

As far as pitching is concerned, the Yankees are currently considering players like Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto and free agent Blake Snell to strengthen their squad further. Yamamoto has had a marvelous stint in Japan thus far and seems all set for the big stage. Talking about Japanese stars, the Bronx would have loved the addition of the sought-after Shohei Ohtani to their ranks. But with the possibility of him going on a record $500 million deal and the Yankees already having several nine-figure players, Steinbrenner and Co. might have to sit this one out.

A lineup for the Yankees 2024 season

Hoping the Yankees get all or most of their desired players, the 2024 Yankee squad could look something like this:

Right Field: Aaron Judge (Captain)

Left Field: Juan Soto/ Cody Bellinger

Center Field: Jasson Dominguez

Catcher: Austin Wells

Shortstop: Anthony Volpe

First Base: Anthony Rizzo/DJ LeMahieu

Second Base: Gleyber Torres

Third Base: Oswald Peraza

If everything goes as planned, this lineup seems very formidable. It has the name and reputation of stars like Judge and the potential of Soto and Volpe. The addition of the abovementioned players is certain of adding depth and more options to the team, as is urgently required. With such a robust lineup on paper, Bronx faithful’s expectations will rise high for in-field in 2024.

Will 2024 Yankees be better than 2023?

If they successfully acquire their offseason targets, it’s possible that the 2024 Yankees will be better prepared for success. Combining veterans and talented young players, both power hitters and skilled strategists, they would form a team prepared to compete for a championship.

Yankees’ Big Gamble: Are They Brash Enough to Trade Their Sole Offensive Star Before the Next Season?

The Yankees are midway, an offseason that will determine the turn they take in the near future. The heartbreak of 2023 must be forgotten, with only lessons to be taken from it. Despite setbacks, the Yankees are preparing for a new phase with better results. Now only time will tell who graces the Yankees’ 2024 lineup, dropping everyone’s jaw with a spectacular comeback in the World Series.

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