Early Injuries a Concern but Yankees ‘Hell Bent’ on First Title Since ‘09

Winter felt endless, and my frustration with Cashman, Boone, and Steinbrenner was at an all-time high after how things went down in 2023. No Yankees fan should have to watch their team play like that. When Aaron Judge mentioned, “We haven’t made it to the big dance in quite a few years, so we have got some work to do,” it resonated deeply. It wasn’t just talk; it was a rallying cry for action.

Now, with Judge at the helm and our outfield housing possibly the two greatest hitters in MLB, there’s a real shot at breaking that 14-year drought. But we’ve got this lingering issue—injuries. They were our undoing last year, and I expect injuries to be our bane in 2024, too.

Early Injuries Strike: The First Casualties of the Season

One day into pitchers and catchers reporting, and just 10 days before spring training, the New York Yankees have already been dealt their first two blows – Jose Trevino and Scott Effross. Jose Trevino’s start to the season is on a bit of a snag with a calf strain setting him back, meaning he’ll miss the initial Spring Training games.

Last year was rough for Trevino, limited to just 55 games because of wrist surgery, but we’re all hoping he can channel that 2022 energy—when he was not just an All-Star but also snagged a Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, and Fielding Bible for his defensive wizardry. His role is even more critical this year following the trade of Kyle Higashioka and the arrival of Juan Soto. With Austin Wells breathing down his neck, thanks to his offensive skills, Trevino’s path back to full health and his 2022 form is something to watch closely.

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Shifting to the mound, Scott Effross is in for a longer wait. After a promising start with the Yankees, showcasing his skills with a sub-3 ERA and stepping up in high-leverage situations, he’s been sidelined with back surgery on top of recovering from Tommy John surgery that already erased his 2023 season.

His return timeline stretching into the summer is a blow, considering the versatility and depth he adds to the bullpen. It’s a setback, sure, but it opens up opportunities for others in the pen to step up until he can make his way back.

Yankees’ Quest to End the 14-Year Title Thirst

Juan Soto got a taste of a World Series in 2019, with the Nats. If the Yankees really want to retain Soto to a long-term contract, and have the chance of recreating a dynasty like the good old days, they need to go all in. And skipper Boone is more than ready for that. Aaron Boone, speaking from Tampa, didn’t mince words about the team’s ambition or the sting of missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. “Hell bent on being a champion,” he declared.

Boone elaborated on the comprehensive approach taken by the Bronx Bombers, from the ownership and front office down to the players to make sure 2024 is far different from last year. He admitted, “Last year was not anything anyone in this organization wants or demands or expects.” But ambition and preparation are just the starting points. “We’ve got to go prove it,” Boone stated.

2024’s Winning Formula?

The 2023 Yankees weren’t horrible on paper; they just couldn’t produce when it mattered most and the injury list read like an all-star roster. Aside from Judge’s standout performance and brief sparks from Gleyber Torres, the lineup was starved for hits. Volpe was just getting his feet wet, so I’m cutting him some slack. Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton left us wanting more, but they’re shaping up well for 2024. And yeah, Austin Wells showed some promise in the final games, when the pressure was off.

Our bat lineup’s revival seems promising with the addition of Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo knows how to keep the ball in play. It feels like we’re turning a corner offensively, finally. On the mound, we weren’t too shabby. The bullpen often came through when it counted. Gerrit Cole was our ace, clinching the AL Cy Young, with Clarke Schmidt showing solid form. The addition of Stroman adds depth, and if Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes Jr. find rhythm, we’re looking at a rotation that’s hard to beat.

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The thought of getting Blake Snell? That’s just icing on the cake. I’m genuinely happy with the off-season moves and cautiously optimistic as the new season approaches. But I’m trying to keep my hopes in check. I’ve been down that road of disappointment before, and I’m not eager for a repeat.