New York Yankees Reflect on Disappointing 2023 Season
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After a disappointing 2023 season, the New York Yankees’ top decision-makers gathered at their player development complex for a three-day meeting in early October. The team finished in fourth place in the American League East and missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years, leaving them with a lot to discuss.
Setting the Tone
The meetings began with owner Hal Steinbrenner addressing the group. He emphasized the need for honesty and self-reflection, stating that perfection is not the goal and anyone who believed otherwise would be useless to the proceedings. Steinbrenner then left the room to allow for open and candid discussions among the department leaders.
Separating Fact from Fiction
With Steinbrenner out of the picture, the team’s general manager, Brian Cashman, led the discussions. He aimed to separate the truth from the rumors and speculation surrounding the team’s performance.
Defending Analytics
Cashman immediately defended the Yankees’ analytics department, dismissing claims that analytics were to blame for their struggles. He praised the department as a consistent and successful operation, highlighting their 99-win season in 2022 and their appearance in the American League Championship Series.
Challenging Player Development Criticism
Cashman also addressed criticism of the team’s player development practices. He questioned why the same players who had contributed to the team’s success in the past were now struggling. He pointed out injuries and unexpected underperformance as key factors that impacted the team’s performance.
Injuries and Underperformance
Cashman emphasized the impact of injuries on the team’s performance. He cited specific examples, such as Aaron Judge’s two-month absence due to a wall collision and Nestor Cortes’ hamstring and shoulder injuries. Cashman also mentioned the disappointing performances of Josh Donaldson, Harrison Bader, and Giancarlo Stanton, who all struggled with injuries and underperformed during the season.
He further highlighted DJ LeMahieu’s slow recovery from a toe injury and Anthony Rizzo’s lingering concussion as additional factors that affected the team’s performance. Cashman acknowledged that injuries and unexpected setbacks can significantly impact a team’s success.
A Lesson from the New York Jets
Cashman drew a parallel between the Yankees’ situation and the New York Jets’ loss of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury. He emphasized that unforeseen circumstances can drastically change a team’s dynamics and performance.
Overall, Cashman stressed that injuries and unexpected underperformance were not excuses but rather realities that affected the team’s performance. The Yankees are determined to learn from their 2023 season and make the necessary adjustments for future success.
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)