The New York Yankees wrapped up their regular season with 94 wins, tying with the Toronto Blue Jays, but will now head into the Wild Card series due to a head-to-head tiebreaker, where the Blue Jays emerged victorious with an 8-5 record in their season matchups. That narrowly denied the Yankees a division title and the benefit of a first-round bye. Earlier this season, the Yankees had also shown goodwill by allowing the Tampa Bay Rays to use their spring training facility after Hurricane Milton devastated the Rays’ home stadium. A little bit more success from the Rays against the Blue Jays in their final series could have seen New York crowned champions of the AL East.
As the Yankees prepare to take on their perennial rivals, the Boston Red Sox, for the fifth time in this century, the spotlight is also on outfielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger, who plays a pivotal role for the Yankees, recently described this year’s Yankees lineup as “the most talented team I’ve ever played for.” While on the surface this appears to be a flattering remark, it may also serve as a pointed comment towards his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, particularly as he approaches free agency and is likely to test the market after opting out of his three-year, $80 million contract.
When comparing the current Yankees roster to Bellinger’s 2020 Dodgers team, which included standout players like Mookie Betts and Corey Seager, the Yankees appear to have an edge in key offensive categories. Bellinger’s contributions are notable as he has rebounded this season to post impressive statistics, including a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs, following a tough 2020 season where he struggled at the plate.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are preparing for their own championship run, following their twelfth NL West title win in 13 seasons, featuring a roster filled with heavy hitters and an outstanding pitching staff led by Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell. Should both teams navigate through the Wild Card round, fans could be in for an exciting rematch as both teams look to solidify their postseason success.
However, October can be unpredictable. Bellinger’s hard-hit rate is currently a concern, ranking in the lowest percentile in the league, which could hinder his effectiveness against elite playoff pitching. Boston’s ace, Garrett Crochet, has a flawless record against the Yankees, coupled with a formidable season that sees him coming into the series as a major threat. The Red Sox also enjoyed success over the Yankees in the regular season, winning the matchup 9-4.
With key Yankees players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton dealing with injuries during a challenging mid-season slump, the upcoming Wild Card series presents both challenges and opportunities for the Bronx Bombers. As they aim for success despite the obstacles, the hope remains that they can channel their talent into a successful playoff run.