Yankees 2024 Season is World Series or Bust in the Bronx
It has been almost 15 long years since November 4, 2009, the 27th triumph of the most storied franchise in baseball. Past sins are long overdue and the Yankees have gone all in once again. Now, it is time to finish the job and bring banner #28 to the Bronx.
By JJ Ceglio
It's no secret that Yankees fans have one goal in mind for 2024. It's not a new goal in the Bronx, but it's one the team hasn't accomplished since 2009.
Despite what the betting odds say, Yankees fans won't be happy with anything short of another World Series win.
What Caused These Expectations?
December 6, 2023 is a day that will live in Yankee lore. The San Diego Padres traded Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, marking the second trade in less than 17 months for the 25-year-old outfielder. The Yankees also received outfielder Trent Grisham from the Padres as part of the seven-player deal. In exchange, San Diego received right-handers Michael King, Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez, starting pitching prospect Drew Thorpe and catcher Kyle Higashioka.
Just a day before, the Yankees acquired OF Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox in a trade that looked to eliminate the Yankees from getting Soto. However, Brian Cashman went 1000 MPH and went for the gold, acquiring Juan Soto, Trent Grisham AND Alex Verdugo for outfield depth. The Yankees weren't done spending money as they signed SP Marcus Stroman to a 2 year $37 million contract to be a 2/3 starter for the Yankees. Losing Gerrit Cole for a few months is a crushing blow especially after letting Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery slip away, but the Yankee rotation should still be very solid in the long run.
Cashman + Boone: Jobs on the Line?
Last year at the trade deadline, the Yankees needed to be buyers to have a chance at the playoffs. Unfortunately, Brian Cashman decided to take a nap on 161st Street outside Yankee Stadium and make zero helpful or hurtful moves at the deadline. Past sins are long overdue as the Yankees continue to fail getting over the hump. The Yankees fanbase has been in turmoil since Joe Girardi resigned on December 4, 2017, because since Aaron Boone was hired the Yankees keep falling short and people are starting to get angry.
Losing to the Red Sox in the 2018 ALDS. Losing to the Astros in the ALCS in 2019. Losing to the Rays in the 2020 ALDS. Losing to the Red Sox in the Wild Card in 2021. Getting swept by the Astros in 2022. Missing the playoffs altogether in 2023. These are not results that the Yankees should be facing down every year.
The Yankees have been loaded with starpower since Girardi was the manager and have remained full of it with Aaron Boone. However, what needs to be mentioned is the failure of the Yankees even making it to the World Series. It has been 15 years since their last championship and championship appearance. This is the longest drought since before 1996, where the Pinstripes went 18 years without a single championship back in 1978. The Yankees lineup contains a former MVP, multiple all stars, highly sought out prospects and rivals the 2009 lineup in terms of potential. It's time to stop the excuses and finally get the job done.
The Quest For #28
The Bronx faithful is hungry for a Yankees ring ASAP, and with the core aging the time is now. Aaron Judge in the 2nd year of his 9 year contract, Juan Soto is on a one year deal and will most likely leave if the Yanks fall short, Gerrit Cole is coming off a Cy Young season, you get the idea. So with all this being mentioned this might be the Yankees one real chance of bringing banner #28 to the Bronx. If they fail, the organization will be under some SERIOUS reconstruction.
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