“The Yankees have extremely high expectations. The fan base, the organization and us as players.” Paul Goldschmidt was thinking like everyone else as he entered the Bronx on a $12.5 million deal this offseason. The Yankees, instead of having Juan Soto, had injuries looming overhead, sure. But they still appeared poised for another go at the World Series. Fangraphs even projected a 3-game lead in the American League East in February. However, much to GM Brian Cashman’s dismay, who called the roster a “work in progress,” things haven’t been the best in the first half.

On May 28, New York had the lead of seven games. But after an uninspiring 4-1 loss at home to the Chicago Cubs this weekend, they are 53-43; 2.5 games back of the first-place Toronto Blue Jays. Even Giancarlo Stanton put it flatly, “Like anything, you sit and make the adjustments for the second half and try to just improve and get better.” Fortunately, they have the trade deadline on July 31 to work things out. The extreme sellers’ market is dominated by six sellers right now – Athletics, Nationals, Rockies, Marlins, White Sox, and Pirates – and Cashman could really use some help.

Of course, the Yankees do need some serious fixing. Last week, the GM revealed the gaps, mentioning, “I’d certainly love to import a starter and some relievers because our bullpen has been taxed with injuries. And an infielder, if possible.” Interestingly, as vocal as the Yanks have been about their shopping list at this deadline, they are onto something else as well. But a rival in the league is here to spill some beans.

In their latest tweet, Fireside Yankees revealed, “A rival executive told Jon Heyman that he believes the Yankees will “do something big” at the trade deadline. 👀” The statement could have a lot of meanings. But quantity might be the center with owner Hal Steinbrenner’s rhetorical statement from late February coming to mind, “Does having a huge payroll really increase my chances that much of winning a championship? I’m not sure there’s a strong correlation there.”

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Then again, the Yankees have a lot of requirements, too. They need a third baseman, a starting pitcher, and a few relievers. For third base, in particular, they need to upgrade urgently. After DJ LeMahieu’s departure, the Yankees do have Oswald Peraza. However, they need to target somebody as versatile as LeMahieu for the long term, such as the D-Backs phenom Eugenio Suarez. It will be big indeed if they manage to fill the voids at these spots.

Well, Aaron Judge is in his prime right now, and if the Yankees wish to clinch the World Series title, this might be the time they build a better and healthier team around him.

Yankees can’t rely on who they already have

For the longest time, Giancarlo Stanton has been one of the best yet quiet leaders in the Yankees’ clubhouse. After a harsh 3-1 loss to the Cubs this weekend, he admitted, “We could be crisper in all aspects,” emphasizing the fact that the team needs to make some adjustments before heading to the second half.

That mainly stems from how the first half has been overall. The Yankees, at 53-43, are currently behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. Unlike last playoffs, they can’t rely on Gerrit Cole or Clarke Schmidt this time. Both are out for the remainder of the season. Plus, for how long will they count on Max Fried and Carlos Rodon? They have already borne heavy workloads with 122 innings and 119 innings, respectively.

Anthony Volpe’s defense has been troublesome as well. He was untouchable at last year’s World Series. But he hasn’t been the same of late. The team needs a lot more—more health and more consistency! And for that, they need new signings. So, while Cashman has time to plan strategies, he should probably do that.