Since Congressman Jacob Ruppert Jr. purchased the New York Yankees in 1915, they have never gone more than 14 years without a World Series win. That’s a record the 2023 Yankees could break if they can’t pull off their 28th World Series title.
The Yankees have won 27 World Series and 40 American League pennants. Since the 1994 realignment, the Yankees have appeared in 25 playoffs out of the 30 seasons. With their history, the New York Yankees are the epitome of greatness and one of the top organizations in all of sports.
However, if the Yankees fail to win the Fall Classic this year, it will mark the 14th season without the title. That ties the longest league championship drought since 1921, when they won their first World Series. To Yankees fans, this is simply unacceptable. I can’t imagine what “The Boss,” George Steinbrenner, would say to his son Hal if he could see this tremendous failure. Therefore, the Yankees must win this year, and here is what has to happen for them to achieve number 28.
What can the New York Yankees do to win the World Series?
The Yankees need to add another big arm before the All-Star break. Frankie Montas and Carlos Rodon’s injuries exposed a high lack of due diligence by management. Devi Garcia was hailed for years in the minors as the Yankees’ next prodigious ace, yet he has struggled in all his big league appearances and will not start on the Opening Day roster. Then there was the front office’s failure to secure Luis Castillo from Cincinnati last year. That was a move most believe would have put New York past the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
Shohei Ohtani, this century’s greatest player, is only under the Angels control for the 2023 season. So if the Angels are sellers at the trade deadline, the Yankees must send the house to Anaheim to acquire him.
Chicago right-hander Lucas Giolito is as steady and dependable as any pitcher in the American League. Chicago could justifiably ask a lot for him, and the Yanks need to pay it.
Salvador Perez is another big trade target this season. The Yankees have some more questions and injuries at catcher. Perez is an All-Star catcher, and the Royals should be looking to move him to make way for their stud prospect MJ Melendez.
Lastly, this is a long shot … but Alexis Díaz. The Yanks need a lights-out closer in the playoffs, and Diaz is the most available big-time option.
New York also needs their big contact stars to show up this season. Aaron Judge will hit 45 homers, but Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson must put up 60 between them this year. Aaron Hicks, regardless of how much Brian Cashman loves him, has proved he’s not worthy of being a Yankee and has to go. Pay off his contract like they did for an aging David Justice.
The very last piece New York has put in place is the kids. The heart of the Yanks has always been their homegrown legends. They can add to them with big-dollar free agents, but they’ll thrive on the youthful talent of Anthony Volpe, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza. So get the next great Yankee core on the field now and wait for Jasson Dominguez to be the next Mickey Mantle.