The New York Yankees need support within their starting rotation, first base position and shortstop. That is not even to mention their outfield depth, which is extremely thin after losing several players this off-season.
With the Yankees staying quiet the first few days of free agency 2.0, skipper Aaron Boone made a bold claim regarding the current state of his roster and what they can achieve despite deficiencies.
“We can win now with what we have.”
Aaron Boone: “We can win now with what we have.”
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) March 13, 2022
Considering the Yankees were embarrassed in the Wild Card by the Boston Red Sox last year, there’s a little proof that Boone’s statements are true. In fact, they’ve lost more players since then, already realizing they have a serious hole at shortstop, despite Gio Urshela taking reps to start spring training on Sunday.
Reports have indicated that the Bombers are intrigued by Carlos Correa and could offer him a monster contract, and with two of the top stopgap options already plucked off the market (Andrelton Simmons and Isiah Kiner-Falefa), management doesn’t have many avenues they can follow.
In addition, both Carlos Rodon and Yusei Kikuchi have signed contracts, meaning the acquisition of a starting-level pitcher would have to be via trade if they want legitimate quality. Zack Greinke still remains on the market, but at 38 years old, he can’t be dependable for an entire season’s workload.
The current infield consists of DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Gio Urshela, and Luke Voit. If the Yankees shifted Urshela over to shortstop, they may have to plug LeMahieu in at the position, a spot he’s not exactly refined at.
Over LeMahieu’s 11 season career, he has only played 143 games at third base, recording a .945 fielding percentage with 16 errors. While he could likely hold down the spot for the short term, he’s best suited at second base or first.
In reality, Boone may feel as though he has the talent to win games, but given the Yankees’ extreme injury issues the past few seasons, they don’t have the depth to supplement big players, and their current starters have weaknesses of their own.