What should have been a move to find solutions to the run-scoring problem, the departure of Juan Soto has complicated the outlook for the New York Yankees, who are facing a complex situation due to the injury load within the team and the lack of productivity when it comes to standing at home plate.
Among fans, they are beginning to say: “Another day in the Bronx, a new drama!” It is known that the New York Yankees sought to expand their portfolio after leading Major League Baseball in 2024, but it was the worst team in base running in MLB, according to Fangraphs metrics. For the start of the season they will be without Giancarlo Stanton and in addition to this the departures of Alex Verdugo, Anthony Rizzo, Juan Soto and Gleyber Torres have also gone and the latter two were the worst in base running.
Slowness didn’t seem to be a problem for the New York Yankees
Juan Soto hit 41 home runs with the New York Yankees last season, something no other player had done before. However, his speed between bases was very poor and his performance as a fielder left manager Aaron Boone dissatisfied. In the end the critics mentioned him: “They didn’t run very well between bases, but they hit home runs.” That’s why there has been some question as to whether they can again maintain respectable HR numbers.
Even Jose Trevino and Rizzo had slow speeds, even with worse records than Giancarlo Stanton, who was injured, or Aaron Judge himself, as he showed in the 2024 World Series. Now DJ LeMahieu, another player with leg problems, barely managed to run, which highlights the lack of good base runners.
The light at the end of the Bronx tunnel
That’s why Jazz Chisholm Jr has been advised to play a bigger role, as he had a good run in 2023, where he had a .256 batting average and recorded 24 home runs, as well as 73 RBIs and 40 stolen bases. He has been very good in the outfield, and the Yankees should probably consider him, hoping that things will work out with a new and diversified roster.
While it is necessary to diversify the New York Yankees’ roster, there is a glimmer of hope amid the difficult 2025 campaign that lies ahead. After reaching the World Series and making some good preseason additions, the Yankees’ lineup has been hit by a series of injuries, most notably to Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil and Giancarlo Stanton, who is out with an elbow injury.
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