The New York Yankees are doing New York Yankees things. They’re near the top of 2023 World Series odds boards after a pair of high-profile signings. Their most recent big-ticket purchase is dominant southpaw Carlos Rodon.
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Is now the time to side with the Yankees as the eventual 2023 World Series champions? They still trail the Astros across the best MLB betting sites. And they’re priced alongside the Dodgers, who will likely make a splash or two of their own before spring.
However, the Yankees warrant serious consideration as World Series favorites following the addition of Rodon plus the anticipation of further moves.
Yankees 2023 World Series Outlook Strengthened With Rodon
Rodon, squarely in his prime at 30, slides into the No. 2 slot in the rotation between ace Gerrit Cole and All-Stars Luis Severino and Nestor Cortes. There’s no guarantee Rodon hits the ground running in his new digs, but he has a good track record at Yankee Stadium (3-0, 2.16 ERA, 0.92 WHIP in four starts).
Cole, Rodon, Severino, and Cortes present a formidable top four on paper, offering lefty-righty balance and swing-and-miss stuff. Frankie Montas, Domingo German, and Clarke Schmidt project to battle for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, demonstrating the enviable depth the Yankees currently enjoy in this department.
Plans rarely unfold as anticipated over the course of 162 games, but in theory, the Yankees possess the quality in the rotation to give them a chance to compete every single night.
Yanks Likely to Further Bolster 2023 World Series Chances
The Yanks’ reinforced rotation complements their lineup which retains the “Bombers” in “Bronx Bombers” after re-signing Aaron Judge — not to mention Anthony Rizzo, who is in store for a big season under MLB’s new defensive shift restrictions.
Reports and rumors suggest the Yankees are not finished retooling this offseason. There’s chatter of them adding a left-fielder — perhaps former All-Star Michael Conforto. We may even see them pull off a trade if they’re ready to hand a middle infield spot to Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza, two of their top prospects.
Finally, keep tabs on any developments that could signal fewer at-bats for veteran Josh Donaldson, who’s untradable thanks to the $21.7 million he’s due this season. After hitting .222/.308/.374 in 2022, though, he can’t expect a long leash.
The Yankees rarely stray too far from the league’s Fall Classic favorites, and that remains the case. However, given the improvements they’ve already made and the potential for more to come, it’s not crazy to consider the Yankees’ current 2023 World Series odds a bargain.
