Yankee’s version of Money Ball, and it better be worth it!
Welcome back, everybody; today, we dive into the offseason that the Yankees took full advantage of for better or worse. After the disappointing and spectacularly bad 2023 season, the Yankees went BALLS TO THE WALLS this offseason with the acquisitions of three significant pieces to the starting lineup and pitching staff. Like the Mets last offseason, the Yankees spent significant dough this offseason to acquire Marcus Stroman, Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo.
Let's start with the polarizing Marcus Stroman, who the Yankees signed to a two-year contract for $37 million. Why call him polarizing? Well, there were reports he had battled substance abuse in his early career, trouble with getting along with teammates, and even bashing the Yankees pitching staff when he was on the Mets.
However, the Yankees do have some highlights from this signing. He posted on social media that he grew up a Yankees fan, which the Yankee fans always appreciate because they know a true fan would be extra excited to wear the pinstripes and play for the historical organization. Stroman also has a strong, consistent pitching record through his 10 years in the Major Leagues. His career ERA is 3.65, with several previous solid years; he posted a 3.02 ERA in 2021 with the Mets and a 2.96 ERA in 2019 with the Blue Jays. He has yet to be on an offensive-heavy team like the Yankees, so let's hope we see a strong 2024 performance from the Yankee's likely 3rd rotation starter.
On the other side of the locker room, the two new additions to the outfield have cemented the strongest outfield in major league baseball. With the Yankees trading for Juan Soto and locking him in for a one-year deal at $31.5 million, the Yankees are placing a massive bet on the 2024 season with likely a World Series or bust attitude. Without a doubt, he is a tremendous young talent who shined when he was on the Nationals but lacked premier performance on San Diego. 2023 was his best year on the Padres, hitting 35 home runs and collecting a .275 batting average. We will see how he performs in New York with the extra pressure from the media and fans, but let's hope the pressure helps him turn back into a superstar.
On the other side of the outfield, Alex Verdugo, the former Red Sox, came to the Bronx on a surprising trade. With a one-year $8.7 million fully guaranteed contract to play for the Yankees, I am excited to see him in New York. As a die-hard Yankee fan, I am bred to hate anyone who played in Boston, but if Jonny Damond taught me anything, I can root for a former Red Sox if they help the Yankees win the World Series.
Verdugo is a top young talent with a .281 batting average and a strong .337 on-base percentage. Both Verdugo and Soto are strong defensive players. With them alongside Judge in the outfield, the Yankees are far behind the garbage outfield performances the fans are used to when Hicks and Gardner are on the grass in Yankee Stadium.
Does money buy wins? If it does, it's World Series or bust with this roster!