It’s no doubt that the Yankees are not looking great in the start to their season. And yes, with the injury bug plaguing the team it is reasonable to expect the Yanks to bounce back in a few long weeks. But is that really the case or are the Yankees looking at something a lot more concerning?

The Yankees IL looks bad right now but several key pitchers like SP Carlos Rodon, RP Tommy Khanle, RP Jonathan Loaisiga, and RP Lou Trivinio nearing their return may not be enough to turn the team around. The Yankees currently place 3rd in the MLB in ERA (3.31), third in strikeouts (249), and third in batting average against (.214). Their ace Gerrit Cole has also been great this season hurling 6 games with a record of 5-0, and his 1.11 ERA sits at second in the MLB. But an already great pitching staff would get even better as they recover from their injuries, right? Yes, but how much better can they be than second place in most major pitching categories. 

That is where the problem comes for the Yanks. Despite their league leading power, the Yankees’ offense has been completely disappointing in the early season. Out of 30 teams, the Yankees placed 22nd in batting average (.232), 22nd in hits (196), and 21st in on base percentage (.308). The Yankee bats have only shown one promising category, the home run, where they placed 6th in the MLB with 34 home runs in 26 games. But again, the Yankees will be better when their offense recovers from the IL, right? 

Yes, the Yankees have players on the IL right now, but are they the ones that the Yankees want back? Josh Donaldson, who Yankees fans want off the team, is nearing his return. But if his dreadful 2022 stats are an indicator as for what’s to come for his 2023 campaign, then he is not the change the Yankees are looking for. He batted .222 with just 15 home runs which is not what the Yankees offense needs. 

Despite those returning from the injured list, it is not looking good for the Yankees as they continue to lose key offencive pieces in their lineup. The Yankees lost slugger Gincarlo Stanton to a hamstring strain, meaning he will miss a lot of the season. 

Yes, the Yankees are in a bad place right now as they place 4th in their division with a record of 15-11, but the Yankees have shown the capability of their team in recent years so the chase for 28 remains live in players and Yankee fans across the world.