Yankees' Complete Guide, Preview for 2nd Half of 2024 MLB Season (2024)

The New York Yankees went 49-21 through their first 70 games and looked like the team to beat in the American League, but the last few weeks have been a struggle as they entered play on Wednesday with a 6-17 record in their last 23 games.

They have struggled to find consistent offensive production from anyone outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, while the starting rotation has regressed after a strong start and the bullpen stands as a major question mark.

Despite those recent struggles, they still hold the No. 1 AL wild-card spot and face just a three-game deficit behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings. All signs point to them buying at the trade deadline in an effort to right the ship and salvage their terrific start.

Ahead, we've provided a preview for the second half of the season, complete with potential X-factors, a trade deadline outlook and a blueprint for this Yankees team to reach the postseason.

SP Gerrit Cole

Since making his 2024 debut on June 19 after missing the first 75 games of the season recovering from elbow inflammation, Cole has struggled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 17.1 innings over four starts.

There was undoubtedly going to be some rust to shake off, but if the Yankees are going to get back on track and make a legitimate playoff run, they need the 2023 AL Cy Young winner to pitch like the ace of the staff.

3B DJ LeMahieu

LeMahieu also opened the year on the injured list after suffering a fractured foot, and he too has struggled to find his groove since returning to action, hitting .206/.295/.234 with only three extra-base hits in 123 plate appearances.

The 35-year-old is in the fourth season of a six-year, $90 million contract, and the Yankees do not have a better in-house alternative at third base, so getting the two-time batting title winner back to some level of productivity would be a major boost to the lineup.

1B Ben Rice

Is Ben Rice the real deal?

An injury to Anthony Rizzo opened the door for him to see everyday playing time at first base, and he has a .915 OPS with five home runs and 14 RBI in 19 games since making his MLB debut. That includes a three-homer game on July 6 and another long ball on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old hit .324/.434/.615 with 20 home runs in 63 games across three minor league levels last year, so there is a solid foundation to his breakout performance.

The combination of Gleyber Torres, DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera has seen the bulk of the playing time at second base and third base, and the Yankees rank near the bottom of the league in offensive production at both positions.

Adding a versatile player who can play both spots and provide above-average offensive production, and Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo could be the ideal target. The 27-year-old is hitting .315/.358/.442 with 19 extra-base hits and 22 steals, and he is controllable through 2025 so he would provide an in-house replacement for Torres if he walks in free agency this winter.

The other glaring need is bullpen reinforcement, as it has sometimes been an adventure getting the ball to All-Star closer Clay Holmes in the ninth inning.

Fellow All-Star Tanner Scott is one name to watch as he is a lock to be dealt by the Miami Marlins ahead of his impending free agency. The left-hander has a 1.42 ERA and 13 saves in 15 chances over 37 appearances, and he would immediately plug into the eighth inning role.

There are currently eight teams in the American League with a winning record.

The Orioles, Guardians and Mariners are perched atop their respective division standings, while the Yankees, Twins and Red Sox are slotted in the wild-card spots and the Royals and Astros are on the outside looking in.

The Rangers and Rays are on the periphery, with the coming weeks likely to go a long way in determining whether they buy, sell or hold at the deadline.

That is what the Yankees are contending with if they want to make the playoffs, and while they have struggled mightily of late, they built a strong enough foundation with that 49-21 start to weather a cold streak.

If Gerrit Cole can get his season on track and a few of their secondary offensive pieces can help Aaron Judge and Juan Soto shoulder the load, they could still give the O's a run for their money in the AL East.

How they approach the trade deadline will also significantly impact their postseason outlook.