Yankees’ Offseason Moves Set Stage for 2023 Opening Day

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Yankees begin their 2023 season on Thursday with significant roster changes and a testing of its younger players in key positions.

This offseason, the Yankees bolstered their lineup by acquiring star players, including ace Max Fried, who has stepped in for Gerrit Cole, and Cody Bellinger, who takes over right field, pushing Aaron Judge to right. The team also added closer Devin Williams, while Paul Goldschmidt replaces Anthony Rizzo at first base.

Despite these high-profile acquisitions, the Yankees refrained from addressing critical openings in left field and at third base. When the season kicks off at Yankee Stadium, Jasson Domínguez will step onto the field as the team’s seventh Opening Day starting left fielder in seven years. Oswaldo Cabrera is anticipated to secure the starting position at third base, as the organization looks to assess its youth.

Domínguez, who had a rocky start in left field last September, has reportedly improved significantly through offseason training and spring practice. Head coach Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Domínguez’s development: “I think the work we’re seeing is mostly really good. His routes have been good lately — real direct routes. When he does that, you see the speed, and he’s able to really eat up ground.”

However, there is some caution regarding Domínguez, as growing pains are likely to emerge throughout this season. Boone remains hopeful that Domínguez’s offensive capabilities will balance out his defensive learning curve. “He’s got that capability,” Boone said. “I think he’s got the ability to control the strike zone and hit with power to all places.”

Cabrera’s performance, on the other hand, remains uncertain. The former super-utility player struggled to find consistency at the plate with a .643 OPS, and the team is now counting on him to contribute significantly at third base. Boone noted, “It’s finding that next level of consistency at the plate to earn more regular playing time. We’ve seen flashes of that throughout his career.”

As the Yankees look ahead to potential competition for Cabrera at third, they may also consider invoking the presence of Oswald Peraza, who has been pushing for a spot in the lineup. “I think we’ll be all right,” Boone remarked on the team’s strategy regarding the third base situation.

With the Yankees facing a long road ahead, they are still grappling with injuries to key players including former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who are expected to miss significant time this season.

Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger, who had a remarkable spring training hitting .400 with three home runs, prepares for his role as the starting center fielder. Boone acknowledged Bellinger’s strong performance, particularly given his volatile history as a player. “He’s been really dialed in,” Boone said. “He provides protection for Judge in our lineup.”

As the New York Yankees embark on their 2023 season filled with uncertainty yet high expectations, they will need to prove their resilience in the wake of injuries and growing pains among younger players.