With Spring Training beginning in one month there is a lot of hype surrounding the 2021 season. Not only will Spring Training begin on time, MLB is planning to play the entire 162-game season. The biggest reason for fans to be excited is that MLB is also planning to hold fans at games this season. Spring Training will host 2,000 people and regular season games will have fans too. The regular season is unpredictable when it comes to having fans due to local restrictions. Regardless their is hope for fans going into 2021. There are some big matchups on the New York Yankees 2021 schedule but none bigger than these five.
5. Opening Day vs. Toronto
The Yankees will host Opening Day vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. This will be a big game for these two teams. The Blue Jays are coming off of a 32-28 season making the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Yankees are coming off of a disappointing season finishing 33-27 while losing to the Rays in the ALDS in five games. Last season these two teams split the 10-game season series. They had some great battles and this Opening Day will be an exciting day for both teams.
4. April 9th-11th at Tampa Bay
In 2020, the Tampa Bay Rays handled the Yankees with ease, taking eight of 10 against the Yankees in the regular season before eliminating them from the postseason. This series in April will be the first time the Yankees face the Rays since October. It is tough to gage how the Rays will look after trading Blake Snell and other key pieces. Regardless the Yankees will be looking for revenge against the rival Rays. With how lenient Florida is with the COVID restrictions it is likely that fans can attend this series. Whether it’s all Rays fans or a game where Yankee fans takeover, it will be a big series and a tone-setter for the rest for the season
3. Field of Dreams Game vs. White Sox
On August 12th the Yankees will head up to Dyersville, Iowa to take on the Chicago White Sox. This was a game that was supposed to happen in 2020, but it was cancelled because of the pandemic. When the schedule was originally shortened MLB changed the matchup to the St. Louis Cardinals vs the Chicago White Sox. This game would not happen, either, due to a COVID outbreak within the Cardinals clubhouse. Now the original game between the Yankees and White Sox will take place August 12th of this upcoming season.
2. The Astros Return To the Bronx
After the 2019 season, the Houston Astros became the most hated team in baseball. This is even more true for Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees fans. May 4th the Astros will make their much anticipated return to New York. The last time the Yankees and Astros met was in the 2019 ALCS when José Altuve hit a home run in game six to advance to the World Series. That series also had some controversy when Houston was accused of using buzzers but MLB found no evidence of this. Either way this will be a huge series for the Yankees. It will be even bigger if they allow fans in the Stadium.
1. The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 at Citi Field
Saturday, September 11th will not only be a historic day for America but an emotional day for New Yorkers. To remember all the lives lost 20 years ago to the day, the Subway Series will take place at Citi Field between the Yankees and the New York Mets. It will be a day where both teams from New York will honor all the lives lost on that tragic day. If fans are able to attend this historic event, it will be a day where Yankees and Mets fans can put their rivalry aside and come together to remember that tragic day in 2001.
Outlook
With the 2020 season behind us now fans can truly feel optimistic about 2021. With fans possibly being able to attend games, it will be a start to returning to normalcy. A full season is reportedly on slate and the Yankees will have high expectations as always going into 2021. With DJ Lemahieu, returning the offense will have big expectations. The Yankees will also have a new look rotation with the return of Luis Severino and Domingo Germán and newly signed Corey Kluber the pitching rotation has a high upside. It is another year of World Series or bust for the New York Yankees as they look to win their first title with their current core in place.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
