The 2023 season was a low point for the New York Yankees, and as Opening Day 2024 approaches, the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of Aaron Boone and his revamped roster. “There’s more pressure on all of us,” says owner Hal Steinbrenner. “We’re feeling it, and that’s a good thing. We deserve to feel it. That’s going to make us stronger this year.” Can the Bombers indeed turn weakness into strength?

Adding a generational talent like Juan Soto to an already star-studded lineup certainly helps. However, the specter of injuries and inconsistent performances hangs heavy. On that note, let’s break down the Yankees’ projected starting lineup, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and the questions looming over the team.

The 2024 projected starting lineup of the New York Yankees

The New York Post projects the following starting nine for the 2024 Yankees: At first glance, it’s a lineup built to strike fear into opposing pitchers throughout their World Series appearances. However, as with any lineup, digging below the surface reveals intriguing strengths, areas for development, and some potentially glaring weaknesses.

Gleyber Torres, 2B
Juan Soto, RF
Aaron Judge, CF
Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Giancarlo Stanton, DH
Alex Verdugo, LF
Anthony Volpe, SS
Austin Wells, C
Oswaldo Cabrera, 3B

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The top of this lineup is absolutely fearsome. Juan Soto and Aaron Judge create one of the most dangerous 1-2 punches in all of baseball, their power and on-base prowess setting the table for Anthony Rizzo, still a capable power threat himself. The addition of Verdugo provides a steady bat and further depth, lessening the reliance on aging slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

The New York Yankees’ youth movement also offers reasons for optimism. Anthony Volpe, coming off a challenging rookie season, and Austin Wells, a rising catching prospect, could provide a spark if they can build on last year’s flashes of brilliance. But there are some lingering concerns.

This lineup still contains several question marks. Torres must improve his consistency, and Stanton’s health is a perennial worry. Young Oswaldo Cabrera must take the next step if the Bombers expect to contend.

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The pitching rotation, even with the expected return of Gerrit Cole from injury, will face intense scrutiny. Carlos Rodón, who signed a lucrative deal, needs to prove he can bounce back from a disappointing showing in 2023. Aside from Cole, the potential for sustained high-level performances is uncertain. For now, it can be said for certain that their success will hinge on both depth and the continued development of their young talent. 

The X-Factors: Depth and development

The New York Yankees’ success won’t just depend on the stars aligning for the starting nine. Depth and player development are critical, but the lingering specter of injuries casts a long shadow. Injuries derailed several key players in 2023, including DJ LeMahieu’s repeat foot problems and Jose Trevino’s season-ending wrist surgery.

“The pressure was on Carlos Rodón to perform… the Yankees need a legitimate bounce-back… to help elevate the rotation,” highlights The Post, emphasizing the impact injuries have on a team’s pitching staff. This year, health is paramount, especially with Cole sidelined early on.

The team is banking on young talent like Jasson Dominguez, who’s coming off a recent Tommy John surgery. His potential return mid-season could be a game-changer, but it’s a gamble. Players like Trent Grisham and Jahmai Jones add valuable depth, but can they consistently elevate their game when opportunities arise? The ability of the New York Yankees to weather injuries and get vital contributions from both veterans and developing prospects could be the deciding factor in their 2024 campaign.

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