Yankees called ‘most talented AL team’ despite recent struggles

The New York Yankees have struggled in recent action. New York is now just 2-8 over its past 10 games after losing 6-4 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. The Yankees suddenly trail the Rays by four games in the American League East standings, as New York is 50-41 overall. Despite the team’s recent struggles, MLB Network insider Joel Sherman believes the Yankees are still the “most talented team in the American League.”

“I still think that they’re the most talented team in the American League,” Sherman said, via MLB Now. “They should, say by early August, get back (Max) Fried and (Carlos) Rodon, which should settle down their rotation. I think they’re going to get back Aaron Judge at some point, maybe Giancarlo Stanton.”

Judge’s injury absence has been the biggest blow for the team. The other injuries are obviously far from ideal, but this ball club often struggles without Judge in the lineup. Finding success without arguably the best hitter in baseball in the lineup is obviously a challenge.

The pitching is not bad. It will be even better once starters such as Fried and Rodon return as Sherman mentioned.

The Yankees could also look to make a trade or two. Upgrading the lineup may be a priority, while adding a pitcher or two would not be a bad idea.

So, are the Yankees truly the most talented team in the American League? When healthy, that argument is easy to make. However, the Rays have played a more consistent brand of baseball. The Yankees need their injured players to return and the team needs to find more overall consistency moving forward.