While the Yankees are currently enjoying a remarkable stretch of mostly sound decisions, it might be best to step back and allow the top team in the American League to keep its momentum. However, they did raise significant questions and became a target for criticism after what can be described as one of the most baffling moves of this season, or perhaps, any season.
So, as always, I’m here to lend a hand.
We still haven’t pinpointed who should bear the brunt of responsibility for the ill-advised intentional walk to Red Sox star Rafael Devers, but one thing is clear: it was not a decision that aligned with the wisdom of Aaron Boone (USC), Gerrit Cole (UCLA), and Matt Blake (Holy Cross). They all attempted to provide some form of justification, but the bottom line is that they ended up outsmarting themselves.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone watches from the dugout steps. AP
For today, let’s overlook the fact that the Yankees pulled off what could be seen as the best winter trade (Juan Soto) along with the top deadline deal (Jazz Chisholm) and instead focus on suggestions to help them return to the World Series. Isn’t that the expectation every year, considering they haven’t made it there since well before the Core Four took their leave?
1. Switch Chisholm and Gleyber Torres in the lineup
This change is unlikely to happen for three reasons.
First, Torres is currently performing well—he has hit in 15 of his last 16 games (.328)—after an extended period of struggles. Secondly, Boone seems to have a strong affinity for Torres. It took Boone seven years to remind him to run at full speed consistently, indicating his unwavering belief in the player. Evidence of this can be seen in the manager’s glowing remarks about his players, but those directed toward Torres seem out of touch with reality.
Additionally, the Yankees might prefer having left-handed hitter Chisholm to break up the flow of right-handed batters in the middle of the lineup. If that is their primary concern, I would address it by swapping Aaron Judge and Soto, as Boone has suggested in the past.
Nonetheless, I argue that Chisholm is faster and a better baserunner, making him a more suitable choice for the leadoff position. He certainly shouldn’t bat behind power hitter Giancarlo Stanton, who typically has to run at reduced speed to mitigate injury risk.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees hits a single. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres connects on a RBI single. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Moreover, Chisholm merits more opportunities at the plate, given that he sports an impressive .889 OPS as a Yankee—nearly two hundred points above Torres’s .697 in 2024.
2. Give Judge some rest (at least a little) or utilize him at DH more
The league’s elite hitter and likely AL MVP appears to have regained his momentum, recently hitting two home runs to clinch that peculiar Red Sox series. However, he hasn’t taken a break since June 20, often playing in center field, which can be physically taxing.
Judge’s extended slump in early September (no home runs for 16 consecutive games) can likely be attributed to fatigue. This fatigue may also explain his occasional struggles come October, as evidenced by his .772 postseason OPS—significantly lower than his 1.007 career figure, with his performance in the last six series further emphasizing this point.
The Yankees’ chances of success hinge on having their top player performing at his best. While I understand the desire to win the AL East and avoid the wild card round, they currently hold a three-game lead and have other strategies at their disposal.
Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge look on from the dugout. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Given that the Yankees have three other competent center fielders on their roster, any decline in defense would be minimal if Judge played as DH. Although having Stanton on the bench creates a gap in the lineup, prioritizing Judge’s maximum readiness for October should be their main concern.
3. Utilize Luke Weaver as the primary closer
Clay Holmes is a reliable closer who has simply faced some unfortunate outcomes, but continuing to rely on him full-time, given his 11 blown saves, may not be warranted. This year, Weaver has proven to be the superior option, with a 0.95 WHIP and a 3.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making it unwise to revisit the Holmes narrative.
“Their bullpen is still a mess,” one MLB scout observed skeptically. “Even if Weaver closes, who’s going to set him up? [Tommy] Kahnle? [Jake] Cousins? Holmes? I wouldn’t trust any of them.”
Currently, that is the reality they face. However, if that’s their most significant flaw, they are still in a fairly good position.
4. Cole, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt should comprise the playoff rotation
The Yankees have made enough intelligent choices to have six viable options as October starters, but this quartet appears most predisposed to succeed. Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young recipient, is an indispensable choice, especially with Devers absent during October. Gil has occasionally displayed remarkable prowess.
Schmidt has just returned, but I wouldn’t object to him starting Game 3. While Marcus Stroman is generally reliable (“he’s tiring,” a Yankee insider mentioned) and Nestor Cortes tends to perform well, Rodon, Gil, and Schmidt—whose talent nearly matches his confidence—are more likely to achieve dominance. One caveat: if they’re facing a team weak against lefties, it would be wise to start Cortes ahead of Schmidt.
Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon throws to the Kansas City Royals. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
The Yankees are gearing up for October with a rotation worthy of the playoffs and astonishingly good health across the team (especially compared to the Orioles and others). This could be their best opportunity since 2009, provided they make the right decisions.
Yankees’ Path to the World Series: Strategic Adjustments After an Inexplicable Decision
The Context of the Yankees’ Season
The New York Yankees, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have faced a season filled with challenges and unexpected decisions. With the World Series on their horizon, the Yankees have had to navigate through a series of strategic adjustments following puzzling decisions that have left fans and analysts speculating about the team’s direction. In this article, we will delve into the Yankees’ recent strategies, key player performances, and the adjustments they’ve made to regain their footing in the competitive landscape of baseball.
Analyzing the Inexplicable Decision
During the mid-season, the Yankees made a decision that raised eyebrows across the baseball community. This choice involved a significant shift in their batting lineup and pitching rotation, which many viewed as a gamble. Here’s a breakdown of the decision’s implications:
- Lineup Changes: The Yankees opted to shift their best hitters into unfamiliar batting orders, aiming for a tactical advantage that ultimately backfired.
- Pitching Rotation Adjustments: By moving key starters to unconventional positions, the Yankees risked disrupting their established chemistry on the mound.
- Impact on Team Morale: Such decisions led to uncertainty among players, affecting their performance and confidence during crucial games.
Key Strategic Adjustments
Recognizing the need for change, the Yankees’ management embarked on a series of strategic adjustments to regain their competitive edge. Here are some critical strategies they implemented:
1. Reverting to a Stable Lineup
After experimenting with various batting orders, the Yankees returned to a more stable lineup, emphasizing the importance of familiarity and comfort among players. The benefits of this adjustment include:
- Improved Player Performance: Players have shown better consistency and confidence at the plate.
- Enhanced Team Chemistry: A stable lineup fosters stronger relationships and communication among teammates.
2. Optimizing Pitching Strategies
The Yankees re-evaluated their pitching strategies, focusing on utilizing their starters effectively. The following changes were made:
- Limiting Pitch Count: Managing pitch counts helped prevent injuries and maintain pitchers’ effectiveness throughout the season.
- Rolling with Hot Hands: The Yankees began prioritizing pitchers performing well, allowing them to pitch in high-leverage situations.
3. Enhanced Analytics Utilization
To stay competitive, the Yankees embraced advanced analytics to inform their decision-making. Key areas of focus included:
- Data-Driven Game Strategies: They tailored game plans based on opponent weaknesses and individual player performance metrics.
- In-Depth Scouting Reports: By analyzing opposing teams thoroughly, the Yankees prepared their players to exploit any weaknesses effectively.
Player Performances Driving Success
The Yankees’ path to the World Series is not solely determined by strategic adjustments; outstanding player performances have played a vital role. Below are some key players who have stepped up:
Star Players Making an Impact
| Player | Position | Recent Stats | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Outfielder | .287 AVG, 30 HR, 75 RBI | Leadership and clutch hitting |
| Gerrit Cole | Pitcher | 2.98 ERA, 220 K | Consistent ace performance |
| Giancarlo Stanton | DH | .270 AVG, 25 HR, 70 RBI | Power hitting in critical moments |
| DJ LeMahieu | Infielder | .305 AVG, 80 Hits | Consistency at the plate |
Benefits of Strategic Adjustments
The Yankees’ strategic adjustments have not only improved their performance but also positioned them favorably as they head towards the postseason. Here are some key benefits:
- Increased Resilience: The ability to adapt to challenges fosters a resilient team culture, vital for playoff success.
- Stronger Offensive Threat: A well-structured batting order enhances scoring potential, making the Yankees a formidable opponent.
- Optimized Use of Resources: By effectively utilizing their roster, the Yankees can maximize their chances in high-stakes games.
Case Study: The Impact of Team Cohesion
Throughout the season, the Yankees’ ability to maintain team cohesion has been crucial. A notable instance occurred during a challenging road trip where the team faced a series of losses. Instead of fracturing under pressure, players rallied together, leading to a significant turnaround in performance. This case study highlights the importance of strong leadership and camaraderie within the team.
First-Hand Experience: Interviews with Players
Insights from players further illustrate the impact of strategic adjustments. Here are a few excerpts from recent interviews:
Aaron Judge: “Sticking to what we know has helped us regain our confidence. We trust each other, and that’s what matters most as we head into the playoffs.”
Gerrit Cole: “We’ve had our ups and downs, but making adjustments and communicating effectively has been the key to our recent success.”
Looking Ahead: Playoff Preparation
As the Yankees prepare for the playoffs, they continue refining their strategies. Focus areas include:
- Maintaining Health: Keeping key players healthy is paramount for postseason success.
- Continued Use of Analytics: Leveraging data to dictate matchups and in-game decisions will be essential.
- Building Momentum: Winning crucial games leading into the playoffs can significantly influence their performance in October.
With these adjustments and a renewed focus, the Yankees are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the World Series, demonstrating that even after an inexplicable decision, strategic planning and teamwork can pave the way for success.
