Around the Empire: Yankees Offseason 2024…see
As the New York Yankees head deeper into the offseason, the organization’s focus shifts toward building a team that can return to the postseason after missing the playoffs in 2023. Despite finishing just a handful of games out of the Wild Card race, the Yankees’ underwhelming 82-80 finish highlighted several areas of concern that need addressing. With roster changes, leadership decisions, and renewed ambition to compete in the loaded AL East, the Yankees are already making key moves to retool for the 2024 season. Here’s a look at what’s happening “Around the Empire” and what fans can expect from the Bronx Bombers in the year ahead.
Front Office Shakeup and New Direction
One of the biggest headlines for the Yankees this offseason has been the change in leadership within the front office. After a tumultuous 2023 campaign, which saw high expectations fall flat, owner Hal Steinbrenner has indicated that changes were needed at multiple levels. General Manager nBrian Cashma, in charge of player acquisition and roster management for the past 25 years, is under increased scrutiny, but for now, his role remains intact. Steinbrenner’s comments, however, suggest that the pressure on Cashman and his team is mounting.
As part of this reshuffling, the Yankees have brought in new voices for evaluation and analytics, including bringing in fresh advisors and former players to help shape the decision-making process. This move is seen as a way to modernize the organization and keep pace with the evolving nature of the game, especially with advanced metrics and data playing an ever-larger role in how teams assess talent. It’s clear that while Cashman will remain at the helm for the foreseeable future, the front office is working to adapt to a more progressive baseball landscape.
Focus on Offensive Reinforcements
Perhaps the biggest talking point heading into the offseason is the Yankees’ need to bolster their offense. In 2023, the team ranked 15th in the league in runs scored, which is well below the usual powerhouse numbers expected of a Yankees lineup. Injuries to key players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton certainly didn’t help, but the lineup as a whole struggled with consistency. The Yankees need to find a way to supplement their core hitters and add depth to the lineup.
The biggest question mark remains Aaron Judge, who was limited by injuries for much of the second half of the 2023 season. When healthy, Judge is an MVP-caliber player, and his 2022 historic season proves his ability to carry the team offensively. However, if the Yankees are to contend in 2024, they need Judge to stay healthy and avoid the prolonged injury stretches that sidelined him in 2023.
Beyond Judge, the Yankees are eyeing potential trades and free-agent signings to improve their offense. A top priority is finding a reliable bat, preferably a left-handed hitter, to balance the right-heavy lineup. The Yankees have reportedly been in talks with multiple free agents, with names like Cody Bellinger and J.D. Martinez popping up in trade rumors. Adding an established bat to protect Judge in the lineup would give the Yankees a better chance at competing in a tough AL East division, where teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays all feature potent offenses.
The Yankees are also expected to continue giving young players like Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza increased opportunities. Volpe, who was called up in 2023, showed flashes of his potential at shortstop, but his bat struggled at times. The Yankees will need him to take a significant leap forward in 2024 if they hope to build around their young star.
The Starting Rotation: Stability or Shakeup?
The Yankees’ starting rotation, which has long been a cornerstone of their success, is another area of focus this offseason. Gerrit Cole remains one of the premier pitchers in baseball, and his consistency at the top of the rotation is unquestionable. However, the supporting cast behind him is filled with uncertainty.
Luis Severino, once a potential ace, has dealt with injuries and inconsistency over the past few seasons. In 2023, his struggles continued, leading many to question whether he could be a reliable contributor moving forward. The Yankees are expected to explore the starting pitcher market, with names like Sonny Gray (a former Yankee) and Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto among the potential targets. Additionally, they will look for depth and stability in the back end of the rotation, where players like Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt will need to step up and stay healthy.
Bullpen Outlook: The Return of a Strength
The Yankees’ bullpen remains one of the team’s bright spots. Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Michael King are among the most talented arms in baseball, and if they stay healthy, they provide a formidable back end to the game. However, the Yankees will likely look to add a few more pieces to their bullpen to ensure they have enough depth and firepower. The bullpen could be a key asset for a team that may struggle to generate consistent offense — strong relief pitching could help keep games close in high-stress situations.
What’s Next?
As the 2024 season approaches, the Yankees are poised to make more moves to strengthen their roster. With an eye on improving the offense and making sure the pitching staff can stay competitive, the team’s moves over the next few months will determine whether they can return to contention. While the front office will likely continue making adjustments, the pressure is on manager Aaron Boone to lead the Yankees back to the postseason after a disappointing 2023.
Fans of the Bronx Bombers remain hopeful that the team will address its needs this offseason, whether through trades or free-agent acquisitions. With a blend of star power, emerging youth, and strategic offseason decisions, the Yankees are eager to show that they are ready to reclaim their spot among the elite in Major League Baseball in 2024.
In the high-stakes world of New York baseball, one thing is clear: the Yankees are not a team that stays down for long, and with the right moves, they will be back competing for a championship sooner rather than later.
