The New York Yankees finished last season 82-80, so are they Contenders or Pretenders in 2024? Let’s break it all down.

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FULL VIDEO BREAKDOWN: 

They went out and acquired Trent Urisham and Juan Soto from the Padres for a massive haul. to beef up the outfield that also still includes Aaron Judge, the former MVP. They also acquired Alex Verdugo from the rival Boston Red Sox to complete that pairing of Verdugo, Soto, and Judge with Christian backing them up.

The lineup of newly acquired Trent Urisham and Juan Soto, along with Alex Verdugo and Aaron Judge isn’t really the biggest question for me. It’s the pitching. Gerrit Cole is suffering from elbow discomfort, and that leaves their rotation weak. Carlos Rodon is now the second option, Nestor Cortez is coming off a rotator cuff strain, and they also signed Marcus Strowman from the Chicago Cubs.

Who’s going to fill the other two spots?

Giancarlo Stanton is coming off a down year. Average wise still is pretty productive, but he batted below the Mendoza line in 2023. Cabrera now takes over the third base spot for opening day, Anthony Rizzo has been fine. Finally, Anthony Volpe didn’t have the rookie season he or Yankees fans wanted him to have.

The Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Yankees will be in a five team race for the division this year. if the Red Sox play up the par and get better.

The end all be all is the Yankees are Pretenders in 2024. The injuries are going to be concerning. There’s still a lot of holes in this lineup, and they’re playing in a STACKED AL EAST. I’m viewing the Rays and Blue Jays over them this season.