TAMPA, Florida — Aaron Boone believes the New York Yankees are “hell bent on being a champion” despite missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
New York began spring training on Wednesday, still searching for its first title since 2009. Last year, the Yankees finished 82-80, coming close to losing for the first time since 1992.
“Last year was not something anyone in this organization wanted, demanded, or expected,” the manager stated on Wednesday. “I’d say we’ve invested heavily on that. From ownership to the front office, coaches and staff, and finally the players, I believe we have adequately prepared. “We are ready to go.”
Boone said that right-hander Scott Effross suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery on Oct. 13, 2022, and will most likely not be available for the Yankees until the summer. Effross underwent back surgery in early December and began a throwing program last week.
Catcher Jose Trevino hurt a calf muscle and will miss the first few weeks of spring training games. Boone believes he will be ready on opening day.
In addition, reliever Lou Trivino was in camp and was expected to sign a $1.5 million, one-year contract. He had Tommy John surgery last May 3.
New York sought to resuscitate an offense that ranked 29th in the major leagues in batting average at.227 by acquiring outfielders Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo through trades. Aaron Judge, D.J. LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Rizzo were all hindered by injuries last season.
“We’ve got to go prove it,” Boone added. “So I believe we have a possibility to be a truly special squad. That’s all it is, correct? We have to go show the world that we are as excellent as we believe we can be.”
Boone equated last year’s experience to getting sand kicked in his face.
“You know, obviously, going through with what we went through last year as a club, nobody wants that ever again, and that is really left a sour taste,” Boone went on to say. “I believe we have a squad that is always very focused and disciplined in preparing for and enjoying a successful season. But I believe there’s an additional degree of edge and determination in not wanting that to happen again, and we have a lot of men with pride in there.”
TRIVINO RETURNING
Trivino, 32, has not pitched in the majors since Game 3 of the 2022 American League Championship Series. The Yankees acquired the 32-year-old right-hander from Oakland on August 1, 2022, as part of the deal that brought Frankie Montas to New York, another injured pitcher.
Trivino is eligible for $100,000 performance bonuses this year if he appears in 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 games. His contract contains a $5 million club option in 2025, with escalators and other bonus opportunities that year.
TOP OF THE LINEUP.
Boone believes LeMahieu, hampered by foot issues, is ready to be a force in the leadoff position. Verdugo could spend some time there as well.
“I feel like if we that lead off spot gets settled, then we have a chance to be a really special offense because I do feel like the middle of the lineup around Aaron and Juan,” Boone told the media.
PITCHER SWAP.
In exchange for minor league right-hander Joshua Quezada, New York received lefty Clayton Andrews from Milwaukee.
Andrews, who was designated for assignment last week, had four relief appearances for the Brewers last season and surrendered 11 runs, 10 of which were earned, in 3 1/3 innings. He spent most of 2023 with Triple-A Nashville, where he went 6-0 with a 2.53 ERA and five saves in 48 games.
Quezada, 19, made his professional debut in 2023 with the rookie-level DSL Yankees, finishing 6-0 with a 3.69 ERA in four starts and seven relief appearances.
