The Yankees enter the 2023 MLB season looking to make a deep postseason run and reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.

Aside from the journey of the regular season, there are a lot of storylines to watch.

Here are the top five…

Overcoming the injury bug

The Yankees are decimated by injuries, and that's putting it lightly. It started when Frankie Montas went down with a shoulder injury that could keep him out for the season.

Then Nestor Cortes had to pull out of the WBC due to a hamstring injury (although it looks like he’ll be good to go for the start of the season). And this offseason’s biggest acquisition, Carlos Rodon, will start the year on the IL due to a forearm strain.

In addition, Luis Severino will also start the season on the IL with a lat strain. That’s three starters out of the rotation. While the Yankees have arms like Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt to fill in two of those holes, who can they trust to slot in as the fifth starter?

The offensive side of the ball is relatively healthy with the biggest loss being Harrison Bader (oblique), but with the mounting injuries to starters, can the Yanks start the year on the right foot like they did last season?

In 2022, New York started the season 15-6 in April and went 56-21 through June. That helped them stay atop the AL East and remain in the top two seeds in the league, even after stumbling in August. With all of their injuries, it'll be hard to duplicate.

Can certain Yankees win back the fans?

There are a handful of names who make Yankees fans’ blood boil heading into the season -- Josh Donaldson, Aaron Hicks and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

All three hitters had subpar years last season but will be looked upon to keep the ship afloat as the team navigates their numerous injuries.

Donaldson is a lock to be the Opening Day third baseman. Not only is his defense still very good, but his contract is too big to keep him on the bench. The Yankees are also convinced he can bounce back offensively after hitting .222 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI in 2022.

While many fans put the former AL MVP in the same breath as Joey Gallo, team brass believes in the veteran.

Popular in the Community