The New York Yankees had a great start to the ongoing season. They were leading the American League East division for the most part of the first two months. But then they went into a slump during mid-June. Since June 13, the NY side went 6-16 in their next 22 games. Later, they had an even worse start in July. They went 4-8 until the All-Star break. After the Midsummer Classic, the Pinstripes had a shaky start to the second half of the season. But then, they managed to win back-to-back series on the road. Gradually, the Yankees got back to winning ways.
However, the question remains that how can they eventually win the AL East division. They had lost their place on the top of the division to the Baltimore Orioles owing to their mid-June slump. Now, they share the same win-loss record with the O’s and are still second in their division. But due to their resurgence in the last few games, they are back again as favorites to win the 2024 World Series. What will it eventually take for them to win it all this year?
How Can The Yankees Win Their Division And Be A Playoff Threat?
The Yankees have won 7 of their last eight games. As a result, they are back in the mix of the potential contenders for the World Series. Apparently, though, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a better chance of winning the ‘Big Dance’ this year than the NY side. Moreover, a week ago, the Orioles had a better chance to win the AL East. However, the Yankees had an improved play and relatively easily schedule that helped them get back to winning ways. At present, as per the New York Post, Dan Martin stated that the 27-time World Series champions have a 58.9% chance of winning the AL East division. On the other hand, the O’s have a 40.3% chance to win that division. Moreover, in the next 15 games, the Bronx Bombers won’t play against a team that’s above .500. They will play against the LA Angels, the defending champions, the Texas Rangers, the Detroit Tigers, and so on.
As per the Rangers, they don’t look like contenders to win their second straight World Series title. Moreover, there will be certain things that will need to go in Yankees favor. For instance, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto must stay healthy because the offense relies on them too much. Then, Gerrit Cole needs to get back to his ace-level form. So far, the reigning AL Cy Young winner has not been as effective and dominant he usually is. Then, Aaron Boone’s side will hope to see their two sluggers – Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu bounce back. If these things go as per plans, then the Yankees can win the AL East and be a potential playoff threat as well.
The Bronx Bombers Will Need Some Luck
If the Yankees be bold and brave enough, they will expect the fortune to favor them a bit. They will need that to win the ‘Big Dance’ if they can make it that far. Since 2009, the NY side has never been to the World Series. Last year, Aaron Judge had a great start as he hit 37 home runs. However, things fell apart when he had a collision at the LA Dodgers fence. Later, he suffered a torn ligament in his toe that kept him out for almost two months.
There was no Juan Soto in the pinstripes last year so Judge’s injury was a fatal blow to the Yankees. Hence, this year, the Judge-Soto duo needs to stay fit and fine throughout the remainder of the season if they want to go deep into the playoffs. Then, other big names like Cole, LeMahieu, Torres, and so on, who are coming off injuries, needs to return to their finest form as soon as possible to give the team a better chance.
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