As the Yankees face an offseason with pivotal questions surrounding their roster, longtime broadcaster Suzyn Waldman weighed in on key issues she believes contributed to their disappointing finish. Addressing the team’s shortcomings, Waldman cited a lack of attention to fundamentals and players being mispositioned as factors that led to critical defensive breakdowns.
“I think there is a fundamental teaching problem in this organization,” Waldman remarked, underscoring her view that players were often put in roles that did not align with their strengths. “You’ve got a right fielder playing center field and Alex Verdugo everywhere. And though Juan Soto is a phenomenal hitter, right field isn’t his strength,” she noted. This, she argued, was emblematic of broader defensive disarray.
Yankees’ defensive issues highlighted after World Series exit
Statistics provided by Max Goodman reveal further concerns, particularly at first base, where Yankees players struggled. Yankees first basemen posted an OPS of .619 this season—the lowest in MLB by a considerable margin. The team’s offensive performance at first base has been in decline since Mark Teixeira’s departure in 2016, ranking near the bottom in several categories, including batting average and WAR. Additionally, the Yankees were 29th in wRC+ and 27th in batting average, failing to produce a single home run at first base from August through the end of the season.
#Yankees first basemen had the worst OPS of any team in MLB this season (.619) by a wide margin.
Their 76 wRC+ ranked 29th. Their .216 batting average ranked 27th. They hit 16 HR … zero from 8/1 through the end of the World Series. https://t.co/ND9voQ3XzI
As the Yankees regroup, all eyes are on star outfielder Juan Soto, who now faces free agency. Soto, who played a pivotal role in New York’s postseason push, expressed mixed emotions following the Game 5 loss to the Dodgers in the World Series. “It was definitely a tough game to be my last one, but I’m really happy with what we accomplished,” Soto shared. Though Soto’s future in New York remains uncertain, his impact has left a lasting impression, and he will likely draw interest from multiple teams in the offseason.
The Yankees will need to address these issues, particularly around defensive positioning and infield production, if they hope to contend next season.
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports. Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport. Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques. After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
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