The New York Yankees are facing a grim reality as their chances of making the playoffs this season sit at just 0.5%, according to Fangraphs. After a recent three-game sweep by the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees find themselves with a nine-game deficit in the wild-card race and six teams to surpass. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledges the daunting task ahead, stating that the team must first win one game before they can hope to win many.
This season has been historically bad for the Yankees, who have not had a losing season since 1992. Their consistent success over the years, including multiple playoff appearances and a World Series title in 2009, has set high expectations for the team. However, injuries and underperformance have plagued the roster, leading to their current struggles.
The Yankees' hefty payroll, which was the second-highest in MLB on Opening Day, has not translated into success on the field. Key players like Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and Anthony Rizzo have all underperformed, leaving the team with an unproductive and inflexible roster. The team also has significant future salary commitments, limiting their ability to make necessary changes.
Despite their current struggles, the Yankees do have some promising prospects in their minor league system. Players like Oswald Peraza, Everson Pereira, and Jasson Dominguez could provide a boost to the team in the near future. However, the Yankees' reliance on their financial resources means that they may be reluctant to trade or sign top talent in order to give these prospects playing time.
Overall, the Yankees find themselves in a state of limbo, far from their usual success. They will need to make significant changes in order to bounce back and return to their winning ways.