One could argue that the New York Yankees are the best team in sports history. After a promising offseason and high expectations, the Yankees didn’t deliver. They disappointed the whole country with an 82-80 record. Although they added major pieces to the team, those pieces were not able to deliver in the way they needed to.
After naming star right fielder Aaron Judge the captain, he started off the season hot, hitting a home run in his first at bat this season. However, he would soon miss almost two months due to a toe injury. He sustained this injury on June third while flying into the wall to make a catch in Los Angeles while playing the Dodgers. Judge basically ran down the wall as he came tumbling down to the ground with it. He was still able to hit 37 home runs in only 106 games, averaging a home run almost every 3 games. Although he was out all that time, he was still one of the biggest contributors to the Yankees team.
The team MVP was clearly Gerrit Cole. He had a season that should win him his first ever Cy Young award, as he went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA. It seemed like every batter he faced swung and missed as he had 222 strikeouts. He dominated the mound almost every start he had. When the Yankees were struggling it was like he was the one who could help them. He was definitely the guy who comes to mind when you think of great pitchers.
Well, I’ve told you about what went right this year, but obviously some things didn’t go right, so let’s talk about what went wrong. The Yankees’ big signing in the offseason of Carlos Rodón was expected to shake up the league, but in spring training Rodón got injured, and he didn’t see the mound until early July. When he pitched, it just always seemed like he was off, he didn’t have many good starts, making fans question if he should be with the team next year.
They do have some bright things to look forward to for next season. For example, rookie Austin Wells came into the league and started hitting well. Not only is he a good hitter, he can catch too. Frankie Montas only started one game for the Yankees, right at the end of the season, but led them to a 5-2 win. The Yankees are excited for his return next season, if they can sign him in free agency. The Yankees will also be able to have injured players like Nestor Cortes Jr. and Anthony Rizzo back for the 2024 MLB Season.
Although morale is low, this just gives the Yankees more to prove for next year. Even though a disappointing season hurts, they hope to come back even stronger for next year.
