TRAGIC NEWS: Due to unresolved issues, the new york yankees will face big difficulties in signing new players

The Yankees are bringing in an external agency to help identify and resolve their numerous problems, but the primary issue is clear. Here are some key secondary problems before addressing the main one:

– **Injuries:** The Yankees are among the most injured teams, tied with the Reds for 37 injured list placements, only behind the Giants (42) and Angels (38). They rank third in IL days lost. Unlike the Dodgers, who managed to perform despite injuries, the Yankees lack depth and resemble the top-heavy Angels. Only Gerrit Cole significantly outperformed, making a strong case for AL Cy Young.

– **Lack of Excitement and Athleticism:** The Yankees rank 20th in stolen bases, tied for 25th in triples, and are last in doubles. Despite this, their loyal fans continue to support them.

– **Young Talent:** While Jasson Dominguez showed promise before getting injured, the Yankees lack other big league-ready prospects capable of sparking a turnaround.

**Main Issue: Hitting**

The Yankees struggle with hitting, having the lowest batting average in the league at .226, their worst since 1968. Despite occasional home runs, they have eight players with at least 50 plate appearances batting under .200, including former MVPs Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson. The emphasis on launch angle and home runs has permeated the minors, resulting in many young players also batting under .200.

Sean Casey’s mid-season hire as hitting coach was a positive step, but the ingrained issues can’t be fixed overnight. Despite new rules intended to improve batting averages, most Yankees players are performing below their career averages. In contrast, top teams like the Braves, Dodgers, Orioles, and Rays, all have high batting averages and winning records.

The Yankees need to target high-average hitters in free agency, but the market is tough. Shohei Ohtani, though a great hitter, will only DH in 2024, and Cody Bellinger, a strong candidate, will face heavy competition. The Yankees must avoid repeating past mistakes and let potential new signings play to their strengths without focusing on launch angle.