This Week in the Bronx - Week 14 (All-Star Edition)

A Blog By Brett

Hard to believe we are already at the All-Star Break. After ninety-six games, the Yankees stand at 53-43. Is ten games over five hundred what New York fans are hoping for at the break? Unrealistic fans probably expect more. I am somewhat satisfied with what Boone and Cashman have been able to get out of the roster so far this season.

Losing Juan Soto to free agency and Gerrit Cole to a season-ending injury was a crater-sized problem to deal with heading into 2025. On top of that, the Yankees have yet to see Luis Gil (American League Rookie of the Year - 2024) pitch one inning this season due to a high-grade lat strain that he has been dealing with since February. That being said, he is set to make a rehab start, so that is something to look forward to after the All-Star Break. Losing Clarke Schmidt last week for the season also adds some chaos to the equation for a Yankee 2025 playoff run.

Series 1: Seattle Mariners (Home)

Game 1: W 10-3 | Game 2: W 9-6 | Game 3: W 6-5

Series 2: Chicago Cubs (Away)

Game 1: W 11-0 | Game 2: L 5-2 | Game 3: L 4-1

Heading into the season, I was most worried about the rotation and adding another high-impact bat. Don’t get me wrong, I am still worried about the rotation. I just have less concern with Fried getting some time off to heal a blister and Gil making rehab starts. Plus, Cam Schlittler looked impressive and can provide a spark if the Yankees do not move him at the deadline. As we approach the deadline, my stress has drifted to worrying about the Bullpen and adding an impact bat.

Starting Rotation Heading Into the 2nd Half:

1. Carlos Rodón LHP

2. Max Fried LHP

3. Marcus Stroman RHP

4. Will Warren RHP

5. Ryan Yarbrough LHP (IL)

6. Cam Schlittler RHP

7. Luis Gil RHP (IL)

Bullpen Heading Into 2nd Half:

1. Luke Weaver RHP

2. Devin Williams RHP

3. Tim Hill LHP

4. Mark Leiter Jr. RHP (IL)

5. JT Brubaker RHP

6. Ian Hamilton RHP

7. Jonathan Loaisiga RHP

8. Fernando Cruz RHP (IL)

9. Scott Effross RHP

10. Clayton Beeter RHP

The Yankees NEED to improve the bullpen if they wish to be a legit World Series contender. The only relievers that I think they should roll with into the second half are Weaver, Williams, Hill, Cruz, and maybe Effross. The rest are replaceable at this point. Don’t get me wrong, we have seen good stuff from all of these guys at some point or another, but it is just not happening in 2025 for a good portion of the bullpen. Brian Cashman has a major dilemma (that he helped cause) with the current roster. There are numerous poor contracts and limited farm depth.

At the end of the day, I simply view it that Aaron Judge is a generational player. His prime will not last forever, and while you have multiple pieces that can help you win a title right now, you need to put the whipped cream on top of the sundae. Adding a third baseman and a few arms could be game-changing for this team.

Trade Targets for NYY That Peak My Interest At The Deadline:

1. Eugenio Suarez

2. Nolan Arenado

3. Ryan Helsley

4. Mason Miller

5. Emmanuel Clase

6. Brandon Lowe (if healthy)

7. Andrew Kittredge

8. Seth Lugo

9. Mitch Keller

10. Dennis Santana

11. Jhoan Duran

Obviously, these players are only interesting to me depending on the farm system cost. New York has limited pieces to move that teams want, and I don’t want to see an overpay for a player at the tail end of their career.

Notable Team Cumulative Pitching Statistics Thru All-Star Break:

+ 1st in H (712)

+ 4th in SO (859)

- 15th in QS (35)

- 13th in ERA (3.82)

Notable Team Cumulative Hitting Statistics Thru All-Star Break:

+ 5th in AVG (.256)

+ 1st in BB (373)

+ 3rd in R (501)

- 7th in SO (842)

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