Amidst Endless Disappointment, Billionaire Yankees Owner Hal Steinbrenner Lays Down an Ultimatum

2023 has been something of a bust for the New York Yankees. After facing what feels like more losses than victories, fans are disappointed. Currently going 41-33, the team is far behind their 2022 record. Last year, with Aaron Judge as the powerhouse, the Yankees had one of their best seasons. This year looked like it might be the same for a while in May, but two Judge injuries have set the team behind.

Baseball is not an individual sport, so fans have been left surprised by how much the team performance has declined in their captain’s absence. Apparently, it’s not just fans who are unhappy, but the team’s co-owner too. He recently laid out an ultimatum for the players in pinstripes.

Hal Steinbrenner has some harsh words for the New York Yankees

Simply put, Bronx fans don’t like much of the Yankees’ front office. Repeated calls for new ownership and new managers rise each time the team loses a game. So far, Hal Steinbrenner is set on keeping Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman in their positions. However, he is also not afraid to lay down some terms, for the players as well as the managers.

Appearing on The Michael Kay Show, Steinbrenner discussed all things Yankees. Getting to a segment about fan questions, someone asked Steinbrenner about the current situation that the team finds itself in. What are the chances that the Yankees don’t make the playoffs? And if so, will Steinbrenner finally make some changes?

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“If we don’t perform well in the playoffs, I’m gonna start asking questions even then. If we don’t make the playoffs – third place, fourth place, second place, this is a tough division,” the Yankees co-owner admitted. “But if we don’t make the playoffs, and we’re healthy the second half of the year, and we start getting guys back, and we get the team that we intended to be on the field on the field, then I’m gonna be asking some tough questions.”

As for waiting on the healthy guys, Harrison Bader’s return has brought some relief. Even so, it’s unclear when Aaron Judge will be back and Carlos Rodon’s return is equally eagerly awaited. Steinbrenner had something to say about that as well.

Steinbrenner is still hopeful for the season ahead

Harrison Bader’s defensive abilities shone on the field on Tuesday, his debut after the second IL stint. However, while his one-man show may be appreciated, the Yankees’ offense could do with a bit of help. Two of the biggest signings this last offseason, Judge and Rodon, are unfortunately still on the IL.

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“Health is gonna be a part of it,” Steinbrenner told Kay. “We gotta get Aaron back. Rodón had a rehab outing and felt great afterwards, 42 pitches, I believe. We gotta get them back in the mix.”

The Bronx Bombers are not living up to their storied name this season, and fans are furious. Now only time will tell how soon the star players can recover and the veteran members step up their game.