A Black Friday Wishlist for the New York Yankees: 2024 Edition
The New York Yankees, one of baseball’s most storied franchises, are entering the holiday season with a lot to prove. Coming off a challenging 2023 campaign that saw them struggle with consistency and injuries, the Yankees have clear needs to address if they want to return to their usual dominance. Black Friday presents the perfect opportunity for Yankees fans to dream big. Here’s a detailed wishlist, broken down into key areas the team should prioritize.
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1. A Superstar Left Fielder
For years, left field has been a position of uncertainty for the Yankees. While internal options like Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa filled in admirably, the team has lacked a true impact bat in the corner outfield spot.
Wishlist Item: Juan Soto or Cody Bellinger
Juan Soto: A generational hitter with incredible plate discipline, Soto has been rumored to be a trade target for the Yankees. Adding him to the lineup would provide a lethal left-handed presence to balance the heavily right-handed roster.
Cody Bellinger: After a bounce-back year with the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger’s combination of power, speed, and defense makes him an ideal fit for Yankee Stadium. His ability to play both outfield and first base would also add roster flexibility.
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2. Starting Rotation Reinforcements
Injuries plagued the Yankees’ starting rotation in 2023, with Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes missing significant time. While Gerrit Cole delivered a Cy Young-winning season, the team needs more depth and durability to compete in the ultra-competitive AL East.
Wishlist Item: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The 25-year-old Japanese sensation is arguably the best pitcher on the market. Known for his pinpoint command and devastating arsenal, Yamamoto would not only bolster the rotation but also provide a long-term ace to pair with Cole.
Trade Options: If free agency isn’t the solution, the Yankees could explore trades for controllable starters like Corbin Burnes or Dylan Cease.
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3. A Consistent Third Baseman
The Yankees have cycled through various options at third base, with Josh Donaldson’s decline and injuries creating a void. While DJ LeMahieu and others have tried to fill in, a long-term solution is needed.
Wishlist Item: Matt Chapman or Rafael Devers (via trade)
Matt Chapman: A defensive wizard with a powerful bat, Chapman is available in free agency. His Gold Glove-caliber defense would instantly improve the Yankees’ infield.
Trade for Devers: Though unlikely, a blockbuster trade for Devers would solve the Yankees’ third base woes for years. His elite bat and ability to handle the New York spotlight make him a dream target.
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4. A Revamped Bullpen
The Yankees’ bullpen was a strength in 2023, but as always, relievers are volatile year-to-year. Adding depth and high-leverage arms will be crucial to maintaining the team’s late-inning dominance.
Wishlist Item: Josh Hader or Liam Hendriks
Josh Hader: The premier closer in baseball, Hader would make the Yankees nearly unbeatable in the late innings when paired with Clay Holmes and Michael King.
Other Options: Middle relief options like Robert Stephenson or Matt Moore could provide quality depth without breaking the bank.
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5. A Catcher Who Can Hit
While Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka provided excellent defense, the Yankees need more offensive production from the catcher position. The ideal player would combine strong defense with a respectable bat.
Wishlist Item: Will Smith (via trade)
The Dodgers’ catcher is one of the best all-around players at his position. If the Yankees could pry him away in a trade, he’d provide an immediate upgrade offensively while maintaining strong defense.
Other Options: If a trade isn’t feasible, a free agent like Mitch Garver could bring more offensive pop behind the plate.
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6. A Youth Movement
The Yankees have one of the most talented farm systems in baseball, with players like Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells already making an impact. However, developing and trusting young talent will be key to sustained success.
Wishlist Item: Patience with Prospects
Jasson Dominguez, nicknamed “The Martian,” showed glimpses of his immense potential late in 2023 before an unfortunate injury. Giving him an everyday role once healthy should be a priority.
Anthony Volpe’s rookie year was filled with growing pains, but his power-speed combination and defensive skills at shortstop make him a cornerstone for the future.
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7. Improved Team Health
Injuries were one of the biggest reasons for the Yankees’ struggles in 2023. From Aaron Judge’s toe injury to the constant shuffling of pitchers, the team needs better luck and perhaps better conditioning to stay competitive.
Wishlist Item: World-Class Sports Science
The Yankees should invest in cutting-edge sports science and training staff to minimize injuries and optimize recovery times. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers have excelled in this area, and the Yankees need to follow suit.
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8. A Focus on Contact Hitting
The Yankees’ reliance on home runs has often been their Achilles’ heel. Adding players who can consistently put the ball in play would diversify the offense and make them less predictable.
Wishlist Item: Luis Arraez or Jeff McNeil
Both players are known for their elite contact skills and ability to hit for average. Acquiring a player like Arraez, who flirted with .400 for much of 2023, would completely transform the lineup’s dynamic.
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9. A Strong Bench
A championship-caliber team needs more than just stars; it needs a bench that can contribute in key moments.
Wishlist Item: Versatile Depth Pieces
Players like Kike Hernandez or Aledmys Diaz, who can play multiple positions and deliver clutch hits, would provide the Yankees with much-needed depth.
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10. A Return to Identity
The Yankees have long been known for their discipline at the plate and strong defense, but recent seasons have seen them deviate from these strengths. Re-establishing this identity will be key to future success.
Wishlist Item: A Clear Plan from the Front Office
General Manager Brian Cashman and Manager Aaron Boone need to create a cohesive strategy for 2024. Whether it’s emphasizing analytics, defense, or player development, having a clear direction is crucial.
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Final Thoughts
The Yankees’ Black Friday wishlist is ambitious, but it reflects the high expectations of the franchise and its fans. Whether through blockbuster trades, key free-agent signings, or internal development, the Yankees have the resources to address their needs and reclaim their place as perennial contenders.
This offseason will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Bronx Bombers. With the right moves, the Yankees can turn 2024 into a year to remember.