TAMPA, Fla. – The New York Yankees’ offensive struggles have been a recurring issue in recent years, contrary to the narrative that last season was an anomaly. While their offense was undoubtedly poor last year, ranking 25th out of 30 teams in runs scored per game, their performance has been subpar for the past three seasons.
In 2021, the Yankees ranked 19th in runs scored per game, and in 2022, they were second in this category. However, their offensive output in 2022 was heavily reliant on Aaron Judge, who single-handedly carried the team with an exceptional 1.111 OPS. Without Judge’s outstanding performance, the rest of the team lagged behind with a collective .708 OPS, similar to what Billy Martin had in 1956.
Judge’s offensive prowess was particularly evident in the second half of the 2022 season, where he thrived and hit 62 home runs, guiding the Yankees to win the AL East. However, the rest of the team struggled, managing only a .652 OPS. Looking at the past three seasons combined, Judge stands out with a remarkable 1.017 OPS, while the rest of the team collectively had a .698 OPS.
The Yankees attribute their offensive struggles last season to injuries, with Judge and Anthony Rizzo being notably limited in their playing time. However, relying on injuries as an excuse is weak, considering that other teams, like the Houston Astros, managed to perform well despite key players missing a significant number of games.
To address their offensive woes, the Yankees acquired Juan Soto in a trade. The team hopes that a healthy combination of Judge and Soto will significantly improve their offensive production and make them a top-10 offense once again. However, the Yankees believe that they are more than just a one-two punch and have other players who can contribute to their offensive success.
Three key factors will play a crucial role in the Yankees’ offensive performance this season. Firstly, the age and health of players like DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, and Giancarlo Stanton will be significant factors, as they have injury concerns and are getting older. Secondly, the emergence of young talents like Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells, who have shown promise, will be crucial in bolstering the lineup. Thirdly, the team’s left-handed hitters have historically struggled, and their performance will be important in improving the offense.
Overall, the Yankees are optimistic about their chances of becoming an elite offense this season. Manager Aaron Boone believes that with a healthy roster and a combination of experienced veterans and young talents, the team has the potential to excel offensively. However, only time will tell if these factors will ultimately lead to a revamped and successful Yankees lineup.
(Note: The rewritten article does not contain any direct quotes from any news organization, adhering to the guidelines provided.)