The New York Yankees are the most popular team in MLB.
If they are successful, more people will become interested in the product.
They have had great success through the first 70 games of the season.
New York’s offense was in good shape and their pitching was excellent.
The past month hasn’t been kind to the Yankees.
Below, we discuss the struggles the New York Yankees have faced over the past month and what moves they should make ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
New York Yankees struggled last month
Until mid-June, the New York Yankees looked like the best team in the AL.
After 70 games, they were first in the AL East with a 49-21 record, had a solid offense, and had a stellar pitching staff.
But the past month has been quite the opposite.
They have won 9 and lost 19 of their last 28 games.
In their first 22 series, they went 17-3-2, but in their last nine series, they went 1-7-1.
New York is struggling to get into the AL East.
They are 16-19 against AL East teams this season and 42-21 against non-division teams.
They went 9-3 in their first 12 one-run games.
However, in their last 12 one-run games, they have won 2 and lost 10.
They went 6-0 in their first six games, but 0-5 in their last five games.
New York had a terrible run last month and will be hoping to turn things around quickly after the All-Star break.
Regardless of whether the Yankees turn things around before the trade deadline, they will still be active at the deadline and will likely fill some needs.
What should the Yankees do at the trade deadline?
While the Yankees are struggling, the only bright spot is the Baltimore Orioles, who are in first place.
Baltimore failed to capitalize on New York’s slump to expand its lead in the AL East.
But the Boston Red Sox are starting to inch closer to Baltimore and the Yankees.
To catch the Orioles and stop the Red Sox, the Yankees need to make a move at the trade deadline.
The Yankees’ pitchers had a good performance.
Both starting and relief pitchers ranked in the top 10 in the league in ERA, hits allowed, runs allowed, WHIP and batting average against.
They need to revamp their batting lineup and add a hitter or two to complement Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Soto and Judge are having outstanding seasons, but the rest of the lineup looks dismal.
Anthony Volpe hasn’t made much progress offensively and is hitting under .250.
Gleyber Torres’ batting average is .231.
Anthony Rizzo suffered a fractured right forearm and is expected to be out until mid-August.
Giancarlo Stanton was on the IL but could return soon after the All-Star break.
Outside of Soto and Judge, no other Yankees hitter has been consistent this season.
Adding a leadoff hitter who gets on base frequently in front of Soto and Judge would be a huge help to the Yankees.
The Yankees’ top priority at the trade deadline should be acquiring a leadoff hitter.
If the Pirates or Mets select Sellers at the deadline, a hitter like Brian Reynolds or Brandon Nimmo would be a perfect fit as the Yankees’ leadoff hitter.
New York needs to do more than just add a leadoff hitter; it needs to add a reliable hitter to fill the fourth spot in the lineup.
They don’t need power hitters because they have the best power hitters in Soto and Judge.
However, it has become difficult to always give walks to those two players because you have to put one more batter behind Soto and Judge.
It’s unlikely the Blue Jays will strike a deal with their crosstown rivals, but adding a hitter like Bo Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. behind Soto and Judge would be a perfect fit.
Adding two hitters should be a top priority.
For any team aiming for a World Series appearance, it’s always a good idea to bring in a relief pitcher.
Mason Miller could be available at the trade deadline, and pairing him with Clay Holmes could give the Yankees a nice combination in the eighth and ninth innings.
The New York Yankees need to be aggressive at the trade deadline if they want to be a serious contender in the World Series.
