New York Yankees

Off-season Overview:

The Yankees had a damn good off-season. They lost some notable contributors OF Andrew Benintendi, UTIL Matt Carpenter, SP Jameson Taillon, RP Aroldis Chapman, and RP Chad Green. In return, the Yankees bring RP Tommy Kahnle and, most importantly, SP Carlos Rodón. New York's offense and bullpen have never been in question so it's no surprise that there weren't many changes. The starting pitching needed some help and bringing in Rodón should alleviate the recent struggles. The Yankee's now have one of the best rotations on paper with Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, and Luis Severino. Don't forget the Yankee's extended Aaron Judge for 9 years and $360 million solidifying their commitment to return to the win column in the World Series.

They also have Frankie Montas but it was recently released that he was dealing with an injury that could keep him out of the entire 2023 season. My guess is they will now round out the rotation with Domingo German, though there's a few other option, there will be a battle for the last spot during spring training. Offensively they didn't make a lot of changes, Aaron Judge was the latest to sign a mega deal so they will largely stay intact. Overall they had a great off-season.

Ceiling:

World Series Champions. Rarely are the Yankee's not expected to make a World Series run and that continues this season. Unquestionably, the Yankee's have one of the top rosters in the league and after a strong 2022 campaign behind Aaron Judge's historic performance, New York increased its potential adding another ace in Carlos Rodon. Offensively, New York will produce but will need to do so in clutch situations to make a leap to be the team-to-beat. Timely hitting was lacking in 2022 but is necessary to make the run deep into the playoffs.

Floor:

A 3rd place finish in the AL East and just missing out of the playoffs. This would be shocking to say the least; however, the rest of the AL East is as strong as ever. New York is already plagued by injury losing Frankie Montas from the rotation. If they lose any more arms, the pitching staff turns from great to mediocre. Sure, the offense is intimidating. It is also constantly plagued with injuries and the strikeout. A consistent dose of either/both of those issues and the Yankee's could slip behind the rest of the AL East.

My Prediction:

A 2nd place finish in the AL East and a loss in the Wild card. The Yankees are loaded but so is the American League. I wish they would have added a bit more to their offense but I can't blame them considering the money dished out to Aaron Judge this offseason. Assuming the same patterns as the last decade, the Yankees are streaky and rely on the long ball. Once the playoffs start and they see elite pitching every night, New York's luck will run out. It will be another great regular season in New York but the Yankees will disappoint come playoff time...again.

-- Cyrus Beermann