Derek Jeter addresses Yankees' record, World Series drought

New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter believes there's plenty of time remaining for the 2023 edition of the club to climb atop the American League East standings. 

"They’re almost at the [All-Star] break, so there are a lot of games left," Jeter told MLB writer Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports. "...You never know what’s going to happen over the course of a season. They’re just fine from a timing perspective, but I think it’s something they should take day to day. I don’t think anyone in the Yankee organization is just gonna sit there and say, 'Hey we just gotta get into the playoffs.' I just think that’s the wrong mentality to have."

The Yankees went into Wednesday evening at 40-33 and trailing the first-place Tampa Bay Rays by 10 games in the division standings. While New York defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Tuesday night, the Bronx Bombers nevertheless dropped eight of their first 13 contests during slugger Aaron Judge's latest stint on the injured list. Judge is dealing with a toe issue that could keep him out through the All-Star break. 

This past fall, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner irritated some fans by running it back with manager Aaron Boone and signing senior vice president and general manager Brian Cashman to a four-year deal even though the club hasn't appeared in a World Series since it won the 2009 Fall Classic. 

While Steinbrenner suggested last month the 2023 Yankees aren't a "World Series or bust" team, Jeter acknowledged during his conversation with Thosar that 14 years without a title is a significant drought for the proud franchise. 

"Our group made it look like it was easy to win," the five-time World Series champion continued. "It’s not easy to win. A lot of things have to go your way in order to win. When we won in (1996), it had been 18 years since they won. And then in 2000, it took us nine more years to win again. It’s difficult to do. I know Yankee fans are on edge and they’re getting a little impatient, but that’s what makes it great playing in New York."

The Yankees need Judge, their current captain, back in the lineup as quickly as possible to compete for even a Wild Card playoff spot. Barring a big move ahead of the trade deadline, Jeter may once again find himself talking about his former employer chasing its first title since 2009 next summer.