After a strong 2024 season with the AL’s best record, the Yankees are motivated to chase a World Series title.
The New York Yankees aim to win their first World Series title since 2009. There is a lot of pressure on them as they prepare for their October run. But they’re not the only ones facing immense pressure this October. Other notable teams such as the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies are also facing pressure. Not winning the World Series would not be a good look for a fanbase that’s been desperate for one. Like the old saying goes, “World Series or Bust”. That how it is every year when it comes to the Yankees.
As the team prepares for their October run, here’s how their roster could look like as their “Chase For 28” begins.
Starting Lineup
2B Gleyber Torres
OF Juan Soto
OF Aaron Judge
C Austin Wells
DH Giancarlo Stanton
3B Jazz Chisholm
1B Anthony Rizzo
OF Alex Verdugo
SS Anthony Rizzo
Bench
OF Jasson Dominguez
C Jose Trevino
3B Jon Berti
UTL Oswald Cabrera
Starting Rotation
Gerrit Cole
Carlos Rodon
Luis Gil
Clarke Schmidt
Cody Poteet
Bullpen
LRP Marcus Stroman
MRP Ian Hamilton
LHP Tim Hill
LHP Tim Mayza
MRP Scott Effross
SRP Jake Cousins
SRP Clay Holmes
CP Luke Weaver
How The Yankees Fare Against Their First Playoff Opponent
The Yankees first playoff matchup will come against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night. It will mark the first time both teams have met in the postseason since 1980. Kansas City swept New York three games to none in that ALCS, which included the infamous pine tar incident. While the Yankees, on the other end, won the three previous series in the late ’70s. Unfortunately, the Royals would go on to lose to the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1980 Fall Classic. It is fun to see an underrated rivalry that never gets enough talk back in action in this upcoming postseason series.
This season New York has had some success in terms of head-to-head record versus Kansas City. This year, they won five out of their seven meetings, while outscoring the Royals 42-24. But it is important to know that the Yankees should not take this young, inexperienced team lightly. Look what this Royals team just did in their previous series against the Baltimore Orioles, pulling off a series upset. Wild Card teams should never be underestimated. History from the past shows it.
Yankees Management Strategic Approach
As the postseason pressure mounts, every decision from Aaron Boone becomes crucial. I expect New York to rely heavily on its starters. If at any point it comes to a pivotal elimination game, expect to see the starter that pitches the first game of the series to get the start. The depth in the rotation is also important. The Yankees already lost an arm in SP Nestor Cortes due to an injury. They can’t afford to lose another starter in this critical series.
Bullpen management will also play a crucial role that determines whether the Yankees will advance to the next round or not. We have seen mistakes in the past where the Yankees have overused the bullpen, and it has cost them the series. Look at the 2019 ALCS for instance. Aaron Boone has made a few questionable decisions in how he has managed the bullpen. As a result of his mistake, it has made the team pay the price.
Postseason Predictions
With the playoffs on the horizon, I expect this Yankees team to come in with high motivations. Last season, they missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. There is no reason why New York can’t win it all this season. The league is wide open, so this is their best chance to win it all. If they fail to win it all, it would be highly disappointing for fans. For my predictions, I got the Yankees besting the Phillies in the World Series. The series certainly won’t be easy. I see this series certainly going to seven games.
The only thing that will stand in New York’s way from reaching far into the Fall Classic is the hitting woes. The team does not hit particularly well in the playoffs. That is going to have to change if they want to have a shot at World Series inspirations. Maybe their fortunes will change now that Soto is on the team.
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