As the New York Yankees prepare for a thrilling return to the ALCS for the first time since 2022, excitement surrounds the team, fueled by a combination of veteran leadership and strategic performances.
After a tense ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, the Yankees have showcased resilience, highlighted by Giancarlo Stanton’s clutch hitting and an absolutely filthy bullpen that steadied the ship when it mattered most.
However, with the stakes rising, questions linger regarding key players’ performances and lineup decisions that could impact their championship aspirations. This assessment will delve into what’s working for the Yankees, the uncertainties they face, and what the path to success looks like as they seek to make their first World Series appearance since 2009.
What’s going right for the Yankees?
- Big G grabbed the reigns in ALDS
Giancarlo Stanton’s veteran bat was pivotal in the 2024 ALDS during Games 3 and 4 in Kansas City, as it not only provided a crucial offensive spark for the Bombers, but also shifted the momentum of the series.
Stanton powered the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Royals on Wednesday evening at Kauffman Stadium with a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning, capping a standout three-hit performance that included a run-scoring double and his first stolen base in over four years.
Fresh off his go-ahead homer in Game 3, he contributed again in the Yankees’ 3-1 ALDS Game 4 win over Kansas City. He led off the second inning with a 110-mph double, but was stranded. In the sixth, following Aaron Judge’s leadoff double, Stanton’s 116-mph single up the middle extended the Yankees’ lead to three runs.
With RBIs in three straight games, Stanton helped punch the Yankees’ ticket to the ALCS.
Asked what drives this team, Stanton said:
The weight of the wait since 2009,” said Stanton, who followed his Game 3 heroics with two more hits in Game 4. “You can’t run from reality, so you know what’s at stake, you know what we need to do. So it ain’t about rankings, it ain’t about who’s supposed to this and that. We got to go out and do it every night.
- Starting rotation pulls through with two strong starts
With ace Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon struggling in Games 1 and 2, Clarke Schmidt stepped up in Game 3 and made a significant impact. The 28-year-old right-hander, drafted in the first round by the Yankees in 2017, had only 16 starts this season due to a right lat strain he suffered in San Diego on May 26, 2024. Despite that, he delivered one of the most critical performances of the year in the ALDS. Schmidt kept the Royals scoreless until the fifth inning when they finally broke through with an RBI single from Kyle Isbel and an RBI triple from Michael Massey, accounting for the Royals’ only two runs of the game.
The ace fully redeemed himself in Game 4, turning in one of his best postseason starts yet. Cole retired four batters over six innings, allowing just one earned run, which gave the Yankees’ offense the breathing room it needed to get going.
- Bullpen
The Yankees’ bullpen, spearheaded by RHP Luke Weaver―who delivered on all three ALDS save opportunities― has provided exactly what you should hope for from a postseason relief squad. Over 15.2 innings in the ALDS, they surrendered no earned runs at all.
- First Base sans Anthony Rizzo
Despite having played first base just once in his career—during a Spring Training game—Jon Berti delivered two flawless starts at the position in the ALDS. He mentioned to Meredith Marokovitz that veteran Anthony Rizzo has been a valuable mentor to him, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Ben Rice, whom they now affectionately refer to as their “Sensei.”
Utility player Oswaldo Cabrera also contributed two starts at first base, providing a strong defensive performance. Heading into the postseason, first base was Cabrera’s fifth-most-played position, so it’s not exactly second nature for him either.
Yankees’ remaining uncertainties
- Judge must silence his naysayers
As the Yankees prepare to face one of the league’s premier bullpens in the Cleveland Guardians, it’s essential for them to get out the gate with early leads. A key component to that is getting Aaron Judge hot again to really ignite the offense.
The Captain struggled in the ALDS against the Royals, hitting just 2-for-13 without any RBIs and only scoring twice. However, loyal Yankee fans can often sense when Judge is on the verge of a breakout; he begins to see pitches more clearly, makes solid contact—even if it results in a fly-out—and his on-base percentage rises. In Game 4, we caught a glimpse of that as he doubled on a sharp line drive in the sixth inning and drew two walks.
If the Yankees can get the league leader in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and walks to strike now, it will be tough for any team to contain them. His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the series.
- Do the Yankees continue to roll with Verdugo despite offensive lull?
It’s unclear whether the Yankees are still weighing their decision to start Alex Verdugo in left field over power-hitting rookie Jasson Dominguez and gold-glover Trent Grisham, who also brings power to the lineup. Verdugo continued to excel defensively throughout the ALDS, reinforcing the trust the Yankees placed in his veteran glove. He had a strong offensive start in Game 1, going two-for-three with a walk and a go-ahead RBI, but his bat didn’t stay hot for the remainder of the series.
The question remains: will the Yankees prioritize Verdugo’s veteran defense and World Series experience? If they need to boost the bottom of their lineup while maintaining defensive reliability in left field, they should consider giving Trent Grisham some playing time. A two-time Gold Glove winner (2020, 2022), Grisham is a proven defender and offers a left-handed bat with power potential.
ALCS Preview: Yankees vs. Guardians
As the New York Yankees embark on their thrilling return to the ALCS for the first time since 2022, excitement and optimism fill the air. This marks their first postseason matchup against the Cleveland Guardians since their dramatic five-game ALDS in 2022, which included two rain delays. The Yankees hold a favorable regular-season record against the Guardians, winning four out of six encounters. Fueled by a blend of veteran leadership and standout performances, the team has shown remarkable resilience throughout the postseason thus far. With the stage set for what promises to be an exhilarating series, the Yankees are ready to harness their strengths and chase the franchise’s 28th World Series Championship.
Key Updates:
- Veteran first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, has returned to the ALCS roster, and not only that, he will get his first start in Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday.
- Marcus Stroman has been added back to the roster, and could be a key piece in the Yankees’ bullpen.
- Luis Gil has been slotted back into the rotation, and will get the Game 4 start for the Yankees.
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: RHP Carlos Rodon vs. RHP Alex Cobb (0-1, 6.00 ERA)
Game 2: RHP Gerrit Cole vs. RHP Tanner Bibee (0-0, 2.08 ERA)
Game 3: RHP Clarke Schmidt vs. TBD
Game 4: RHP Luis Gil vs. TBD
The Yankees’ Postseason Articles
Yankees’ Road Dominance Must Shine in ALDS Games 3 and 4
Alex Verdugo ‘Dugie’ shines as Yankees take ALDS Game 1 over the Royals
Yankees Face Crucial Decisions Before ALDS Showdown with Royals
