‘Hellbent on being a champion’
Takeaways from Aaron Boone’s ‘2024 address at Yankees camp
TAMPA, Fla. – The usual notes of first-day optimism wove through Aaron Boone’s initial 2024 address at Yankees camp, spiked with the familiar organizational mission statement.
“We’re hellbent on being a champion,’’ Boone said Wednesday.
Coming off their first postseason miss since 2016, the Yankees’ first empty October in Boone’s pinstriped managerial tenure, a winter of introspection – along with the addition of slugger Juan Soto – has fueled the early feelgood vibe as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.
“I do feel we have prepared properly. We are ready to roll,’’ said Boone, entering the final guaranteed year of his contract. “But again, we’ve got to show you.
“I think we have a chance to be a really special team (but) we’ve got to show the world that we’re as good as we think we can be.’’
Catcher Jose Trevino delayed in camp
A wide range of injuries contributed to last year’s 82-80 disappointment.
Already, the Yankees are dealing with two setbacks before Thursday’s first official pitchers and catchers workout.
Catcher Jose Trevino sustained a strained calf “a couple weeks ago in his training,’’ said Boone, which will probably prevent him from participating in exhibition games during “the first couple weeks.’’
As of now, Boone anticipates Trevino will be ready for Opening Day, and Trevino is participating in catching drills; he’s due to catch Gerrit Cole’s bullpen on Thursday. Trevino missed last year’s second half due to right wrist surgery.
Scott Effross to miss first half of 2024 season
Having missed the 2023 season due to rehab from Tommy John surgery, right-handed reliever Scott Effross isn’t expected to be ready until sometime this summer due to back surgery.
The previously unannounced early December procedure occurred as Effross was finishing off his elbow rehab.
By Wednesday afternoon, the Yankees placed Effross on the 60-day injured list and added lefty Clayton Andrews, 27, from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for 19-year-old righthander Joshua Quezada.
The Yankees have also brought back veteran reliever Lou Trivino on a minor league contract, pending a physical.
The right-hander had Tommy John surgery last May and isn’t expected to be a big-league contributor until the second half of 2024.
Yankees’ early work ahead of spring training
Coming off injury-plagued seasons, Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes are among the Yankees who’ve ramped up ahead of camp.
Rodon and Cortes threw live batting practice Wednesday on the minor league side, and Jonathan Loaisiga – who ended 2023 on the IL – is due to throw Thursday.
Various players have been at the Yankees’ complex weeks ahead of camp, “so I’m excited where our guys are as we get ready to lift off here,’’ Boone said.
Yankees’ chance to be ‘an elite’ lineup
Soto’s presence instantly improves a club that had one of MLB’s weakest offenses last year.
Boone likes the improved depth and balance of his lineup, with Soto and Alex Verdugo adding a lefty presence.
“My expectation is that we are an elite offense again,’’ said Boone. “I think it’s a reasonable expectation with what we have, but again, we’ve got to show you.’’
Will lineup start with DJ LeMahieu?
Boone might favor a lineup with DJ LeMahieu at the top, followed by Soto and captain Aaron Judge.
Still, “we’ve got a long way to go” before settling on an Opening Day batting order.
In particular, “DJ looks really great and I’m really excited where he’s at physically,” said Boone. “Whatever struggles he’s had at different times over the last couple years...they’ve been physical in nature.
“A healthy, productive DJ from an offensive position player standpoint puts us in a really good spot.”
Yankees catching situation
Trevino’s delay is offset by the organization’s catching depth, led by lefty-hitting rookie Austin Wells and Ben Rortvedt, who ended last season as Cole’s regular receiver.
If everyone’s healthy, it’s unclear how playing time would be split in a Trevino-Wells tandem, but Wells’ upside as a hitter and his defensive progress has put him in a good spot entering 2024.
“I think the progress he’s made… defensively has been more than I expected,’’ Boone said. “There’ll be a lot of competition and guys pushing one another because we do feel like we have some really good options, but I’m excited where Austin Wells is.”
On the Yankees pitching depth
The search for additional pitching – both starters and relievers – goes on, having spent several arms (led by Michael King) in trades for Soto and Verdugo.
Yet, “I think we’re in a much better depth position than maybe I even expected,’’ Boone said optimistically, referencing pitchers such as Luis Gil, Clayton Beeter, Will Warren, Chase Hampton and Cody Poteet.
“But you know that depth is going to be challenged. And we’ll find out,’’ said Boone.
Meanwhile, lefties Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are still in free agency, while Shane Bieber and Dylan Cease remain among the notable trade candidates.
That elusive World Series championship
Boone feels there’s “another level of edge and focus’’ not to repeat last season’s failure.
“Nobody wants that ever again,’’ though “a lot of things have to go right’’ toward winning the organization’s first title since 2009, starting with health.
“In any season, you’re going to have your health challenges here and there, but hopefully…a lot of your core guys, can go to the post regularly. That’s an important factor.’’