The New York Yankees have the best record in the American League, but their path to the World Series won’t be easy. They’re set to face the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, starting with Game 1 this Saturday. The Royals, who swept the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round, pose a formidable challenge. Although the Yankees had a 5-2 record against Kansas City during the regular season, advancing past this tough team won’t be simple. To move on to the ALCS, the Yankees will need some key players to step up in a big way during this series.
Yankees’ Postseason Hopes Rest on These Players’ Shoulders
Giancarlo Stanton
Obviously, outfielders Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are going to be the deciding factors in this series. If one or both of them loses it at the plate, the Yankees are in trouble. But don’t forget about the vital presence of veteran Giancarlo Stanton, who ended his injury-shortened 114-game season with 27 home runs. Not only does having Stanton in the lineup provide some power and stability in the middle of the order, but “Big G” has been one of New York’s most clutch postseason hitters in recent years. In 5 trips to the postseason (27 total games), Stanton has a .963 OPS, 11 home runs and 24 RBI, showing how he plays best when it matters most.
The Yankees will go as far as Judge and Soto will take them, but it would be criminal to discount potentially their most clutch hitter in Stanton.
October Stanton is loading
GAME BREAKER pic.twitter.com/4CMtNCY2n6
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) September 27, 2024
Luke Weaver
After replacing the historically poor right-hander Clay Holmes, fellow righty Luke Weaver has completed his transformation from a marginal Major Leaguer into a legitimate star closer. After playing for six different teams, pitching coach Matt Blake turned the former starter into one of baseball’s top relievers. Weaver’s regular season stats are impressive: a 7-3 record, a 2.89 ERA, 103 strikeouts in 84 innings, a 0.930 WHIP and a 1.9 WAR. Towards the end of the season, the “Dream Weaver” successfully converted 4 out of 4 save opportunities in relief of Holmes. The 31-year-old has been the consistent mainstay of an injury-plagued Yankee bullpen throughout the entire season. Even with a healthier bullpen now, Weaver could be New York’s most important reliever in the postseason.
Gleyber Torres
Gleyber Torres, the Yankees’ seasoned veteran, rediscovered his spark in the second half of the season after a lackluster start. A key factor in his resurgence was his transition to the leadoff role. In September, Torres thrived in the 1-hole, boasting a .333/.387/.472 slash line over 25 games, with 9 extra-base hits and 20 runs scored. While unconventional as a leadoff hitter due to his power-oriented approach, Torres excels where it matters most: setting the table for Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. If Torres continues to get on base at this clip, the Yankees’ postseason prospects look bright.
Carlos Rodón
Named the starter for Game 2 on Sunday, left-hander Carlos Rodón’s performance will be pivotal in determining the series’ outcome. His impressive track record against Kansas City this season – 1-0 with 12 strikeouts and just 3 earned runs over 13 innings in two starts – offers optimism. New York will look to count on Rodón to either build momentum following a potential Game 1 victory or steady the ship if right-hander Gerrit Cole falters. With a possible second start looming, Rodón’s impact on the series could be seismic, making his outing a critical factor in the Yankees’ postseason survival.
Austin Wells
Yankees rookie catcher Austin Wells has emerged as a potential superstar, showcasing elite skills behind and at the plate. After a sluggish start, Wells’ numbers soared, catapulting him into the AL Rookie of the Year conversation. Despite a September slump, his defensive prowess remains unparalleled. As one of the league’s top framers, Wells provides immense value, with Yankees pitchers yielding fewer runs when he’s behind the dish compared to fellow backstop Jose Trevino. Combining stellar defense with a lefty bat that’s already proven effective against the Royals, Wells is poised to play a crucial role in New York’s October success.
All Too Wells (Austin’s Version) pic.twitter.com/zcThgotHo4
— MLB (@MLB) September 10, 2024
Main Photo: © John Jones-Imagn Images
