Oct 22, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros during game three of the ALCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Houston Astros at New York Yankees
After an impressive regular season, the New York Yankees were eliminated from the MLB Playoffs by the Houston Astros, who swept the boys from the Bronx 4-0 in the AL Championship Series.
The Yankees had an impressive 2022, winning the AL East with a 99-63 record, defeating Cleveland in the divisional round to make their first step towards their first World Series since 2009. But their season ended after the humbling sweep to Houston, losing 6-5 in Game 4. “Not close enough,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Fans and players alike showed their frustration and disappointment in a year that saw Aaron Judge break HR records and the team even on pace to break the regular season record in July. As the dust settles and the World Series begins in Houston this week, New York fans will be wondering what’s next for the Yankees?
It’s 157 days until the start of the 2023 MLB season and there’s much to look forward to for the New York Yankees to repeat their regular season success and make a push to break out of their five straight ALCS losses dating back to 2010.
The biggest what if is from the Yankees MVP of the season, Aaron Judge. During the spring, he rejected a seven-year, $213.5 million offer that would’ve kept him in New York. Now, he has to decide whether to stay or enter the off season as a free agent. If the Yankees were to fight for repeated success, they would look to make offers that Judge couldn’t refuse.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo also can opt out of his contract for next season who will most likely search for a higher salary and contract. The Yankees will want to keep their Gold Glove finalist. Aroldis Chapman, Miguel Castro, and Andrew Benintendi are among some of the other players entering free agency this year.
In management, there doesn’t look to be too much of a shake up with manager Boone likely to keep his job for a sixth season and GM Brian Cashman having talks with the owner about renewing his contract. The stability could be an added advantage or cause for more concern, as the status quo could lead to the same result and leave the Yankees without a pennant for the fourteenth straight year.
Fans will have to wait and see what changes happen in the offseason. Until then, the organization posted their gratitude to the fans for another season in the books. “Thank you for supporting us all season long, Yankees fans.”
