2022-23 MLB Offseason Recap: New York Yankees

After the New York Yankees were eliminated this past October in the ALCS, Aaron Judge became the top free agent in the 2022-23 MLB free agent market. Judge cracked a league-leading 62 home runs with the Yankees last season, and his skillset primed the 30-year-old for a historic payday. The chase for Judge, as well as roster improvements, were the two key storylines this winter for a Yankees team that has not seen he World Series since 2009. Here’s how the Yankees’ winter went.

Notable Additions

LHP Carlos Rodón
RHP Tommy Kahnle

As far as new pieces for the 2023 Yankees are concerned, quality over quantity seems like a good motto to use when describing New York’s winter. Aside from a plethora of minor league deals, New York added two notable pieces to its roster in reliever Tommy Kahnle and starter Carlos Rodón. Kahnle returns yet again to the team that drafted him back in 2010, after a two-year stint with the Dodgers. The 33-year-old didn’t pitch much in LA — Kahnle threw just 12.1 innings over the past two seasons, all of which came this past season. When healthy, Kahnle boasts a plus change to go along with a hard, upper-90s fastball.

The most notable addition was the free agent signing of Rodón. Rodón — who we ranked as one of the ten best starters in MLB — dominated in San Francisco last season, as the 30-year-old struck out 237 batters and led all pitchers in FIP (2.25) last season. The lefty has turned into a swing-and-miss machine over the past two seasons and is set to headline a Yankees rotation alongside Gerrit Cole.

Notable Subtractions

The Yankees’ primary mission this offseason — before anything else — was to re-sign two key pieces of its roster. One was first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who added some much-needed left-handed pop and stability at first base since being acquired by the Yankees in the summer of 2021. The Yanks did just that, as he inked a two-year deal to remain in The Bronx. More importantly, the Yankees needed the outbid an aggressive Giants team to keep superstar Aaron Judge in New York City. That mission was also accomplished, as the Yankees signed Judge to a hefty nine-year, $360 million contract.

Rizzo and Judge are not on this list, but a number of notable faces from The Bronx won’t be back for next season. RHP Jameson Taillon inked a multi-year deal to head to the Cubs, while Trade Deadline acquisition Andrew Benintendi is also headed to Chicago, albeit with the White Sox. Matt Carpenter was a revelation for the Yankees in 2022, as he clubbed 15 home runs and 24 extra base hits in just 157 plate appearances in New York. The 37-year-old, though, will join the Padres for 2023.

Additionally, relievers Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, and Chad Green also hit the market. Out of the three, Green will very likely be the one Yankees fans will miss the most. The 31-year-old turned into a highly effective reliever in the bullpen, thanks to an above-average fastball, and a solid breaking ball. Green, however, will miss at least most of the 2023 campaign as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

A Recap

The Yankees may still have a soft spot in left field, but aside from that, New York did quite the job this winter. The Yankees kept both its big-ticket free agents in town, and inked arguably the best starting pitcher on the market. Sure, there are concerns about Rodón’s health. If Rodón can stay healthy, though, the Yankees rotation should one of — if not, the best — the best units in MLB this season.

Offensively, the Yankees do have some question marks. Can Josh Donaldson produce after a very down 2022? How should New York handle the shortstop and left field positions? Can Giancarlo Stanton stay healthy? There’s no question that the Yankees are one of the favorites for the 2023 World Series championship. But in order to get there, New York will need to depend on other hitters not named Aaron Judge or Anthony Rizzo.