Some of his teammates are playing their first year in the Bronx, and others are playing their final year before free agency.
But no player may be facing more pressure than Carlos Rodon.
This time last year, the Yankees were optimistic that newly signed Rodon would serve as a strong No. 2 to Gerrit Cole after signing a six-year, $162 million contract.
Instead, the first year of the deal was a nightmare in almost every sense, both for the Yankees and for Rodon, who didn't take the tough season lightly.
Now, the Yankees need Rodon even more than the pitcher they were considering signing, as they do everything in their power to try to win a championship in their only guaranteed season with Juan Soto.
“We're hoping that the second-year Rodon will be, of course, the kind of Rodon that we imported,” GM Brian Cashman said at last month's winter meetings.
Even if Rodon reaches his full potential in 2023, the Yankees are looking to add another top starter this offseason to fill the void left by Michael King, who was traded to the Padres after Soto's blockbuster hit. It is certainly possible that it remained on the market.
But getting back on track in 2024 weighs heavily on Rodon's shoulders after the Yankees missed out on Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who went to the Dodgers, and ultimately pivoted to Marcus Stroman on Thursday. It became even heavier.
Of the four starting pitchers behind Cole in the Yankees' current rotation, Rodon has the highest ceiling.
He showed that in 2021 and 2022, posting a combined 310/3 innings with 422 strikeouts and a 2.67 ERA in 55 starts, earning him a big contract from the Yankees.
However, Rodon got off to a false start, making just one start in spring training before the injury issues that frequently got in his way through 2021 returned.
He was diagnosed with a forearm strain, then dealt with lower back pain that delayed his debut with the Yankees until July, before he was placed on the disabled list again with a hamstring strain.
There were many turbulent times during the era when Rodon was active.
He started 14 games and finished the season with a 6.85 ERA. The game ended with a brutal final game in which he gave up eight runs, no outs, and turned his back on pitching coach Matt Blake during a visit to the mound.
There's a lot of pressure just to sign a contract like Rodon did.
And while he embraced it and never shied away from high expectations or struggles, the first year with a new organization always faces challenges on and off the field.
The second year should provide greater peace of mind for Rodon and the Yankees, and it's natural to hope that it will lead to better results.
“Obviously, last year didn't go the way he wanted it to go and it didn't go the way we wanted it to go,” manager Aaron Boone said during winter meetings. “But it's also one of those solemn reminders of how difficult and challenging this game is and obviously how important health is. I hope it gives you even more focus to make sure you're in a great position.
“The best thing I can say about Carlos is that he has a lot of ability and it's still there. It's just a matter of making sure he's in the best position to bring it out. That's what we're all committed to supporting him.”
Much of Rodon's success on the mound has to do with his pitching consistency, so the Yankees are using the offseason to get him in a better position when he arrives at spring training next month. I was hoping that he would be able to improve his physical condition.
“Making sure the training menu, pitching program and build-up are all solid,” Boone said. ”
