While we wait for the Yankees to settle their vital non-player personnel questions — GM Brian Cashman is expected to be extended, and it still seems more likely than not that manager Aaron Boone will be kept — let’s review what needs to be done to improve a roster that’s consistently good enough to play into October, but not too far into the month.
1. Import a contact hitter, or two
One of the best things about the Brewers, Rays and Dodgers do is put the ball in play and get on base. Those teams ranked first, second and third in batting average, respectively, and first, fifth and third in on-base percentage, while the Yankees were 26th in average at .235 and 24th in on-base percentage at .311. One obvious answer here is to sign free agent infielder Luis Arraez. One caveat: While Yankees people like Arraez, the rejuvenated Anthony Volpe has really taken to second base.
2. Bring back/bolster the bullpen
Big bullpen stars win, as we are seeing again with the Brewers, Rays and Guardians. The Yankees actually were second in pen ERA (3.13), so they need to bring back star closer David Bednar and sudden set-up star Paul Blackburn. Brent Headrick was another ‘pen revelation, but they should add a big-time lefty. Adrián Morejón, whom they pursued at the deadline, is the top free agent, but if he has a qualifying offer attached, they should consider other free-agent lefties instead, including Alex Vesia, Sean Newcomb, Steven Okert and Tyler Alexander.
3. Pursue Japanese star Teruaki Sato
Sato’s a big star who looks like a statistical clone of Munetaka Murakami. But Sato’s more likely to handle third base, which became a surprise Yankees issue this year.