The New York Yankees may not be an improved team after missing out on Juan Soto, but they are still strong enough to make another run at the World Series, according to MLB analyst Chris Rose on a recent “Baseball Today” podcast episode.
Rose believes many of the Yankees’ American League rivals, such as the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics, have fallen behind, while teams like the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays have improved—but not enough to surpass the Yankees. “The Yankees are the best team in the American League right now,” Rose said.
However, Rose also pointed out that while the Yankees are strong in the AL, they haven’t quite matched the powerhouses of the National League, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, or Atlanta Braves.
Following Juan Soto’s surprising move to the Mets over a $5 million difference and some perks in a historic $765 million contract, the Yankees adjusted their strategy. They focused on improving their pitching staff, acquiring starter Max Fried and closer Devin Williams. They also bolstered their offense with NL MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, aiming to balance the lineup.
New York Yankees Players
Despite these moves, questions remain as pitchers and catchers report for spring training in less than two weeks. There’s no clear third baseman yet, with DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza set to compete for the position.
The team also lacks a left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster and has no backup plan for catcher Austin Wells on Opening Day. The Yankees still have work to do and may wait until the trade market picks up. They’re considering moving veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman, but that deal might be tough to pull off with a strong free-agent pitcher class and trade options like Dylan Cease and Michael King still available.
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