Yankees to Win 2024 World Series: 3 Reasons Why They Will & Won’t
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
Sporting a 58-40 record, the New York Yankees currently hold the top AL Wild Card spot and sit just a game behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East division. With World Series odds of +550 (third-best in MLB), the Yanks are strong contenders for their first championship since 2009. But will they seize the opportunity?
Here are three reasons why New York will or won’t emerge victorious at season’s end.
Note: Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Reasons They Will Win
1) Powerful Offense:
Led by superstars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees rank first in runs scored (488) and second in home runs (140). Their ability to change a game with one swing makes the Bronx Bombers a formidable threat come playoff time.
2) Pitching Staff:
Despite some struggles, New York boasts a strong rotation of Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes. In the bullpen, Yankees relievers hold a combined 3.46 ERA, the second-best in the AL
3) Playoff Experience:
The Yankees’ roster is loaded with postseason veterans, providing the crucial experience needed to navigate the high-pressure situations of October baseball.
Reasons They Won’t
1) Inconsistency:
After a red-hot 50-23 start, the Yankees have dropped 17 of their past 25 games, including sweeps by the Mets and the struggling Cincinnati Reds. This Jekyll and Hyde performance has plagued Aaron Boone’s squad in recent years and could be their downfall in the postseason, where the margin for error is slim.
2) Tough Competition:
The American League features two of the best teams in baseball, with division rival Baltimore Orioles (58-38) and Cleveland Guardians (58-37) posing challenges to the Yankees’ championship hopes. Even if they emerge from the AL, a potential World Series matchup against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers (56-41) or MLB-best Philadelphia Phillies (62-34) could be daunting.
3) Health Concerns:
Slugger Giancarlo Stanton started strong with 18 home runs in 69 games before landing on the IL again due to a hamstring strain. While Stanton is expected to return before the end of July, his injury history raises concern about his availability and impact in the postseason. First baseman Anthony Rizzo (forearm) and reliever Clarke Schmidt (lat strain) have also had their injury woes and are currently on the 60-day IL, with returns expected in mid-to-late August.
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