The Yankees have been dominant in the American League this season, with 94 wins and 815 runs scored. However, they now face a formidable opponent in the ALDS: the breakout team of 2024, the Royals. The Royals have made an impressive leap from just 56 wins to reach this stage.
In terms of hitting, the Yankees have veteran Giancarlo Stanton leading their lineup. Despite some recent struggles, Stanton has had a bounce-back season with 27 home runs and a .773 OPS. With his experience and postseason success, he poses a big threat to opposing pitchers. On the other hand, the Royals have Nicky Pasquantino who is known for putting the ball in play consistently.
When it comes to starting pitching, Gerrit Cole will likely lead the Yankees’ rotation followed by Carlos Rodón and Luis Gil. Cole has proven himself in both regular-season and postseason games with his impressive performance. However, the Royals’ rotation is equally strong with Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo leading their talented group.
In terms of relief pitching, both teams have shown strength but in different ways. The Royals’ bullpen improved towards the end of the regular season and performed well in their Wild Card Series games. Lucas Erceg has been reliable as their closer. On the other hand, the Yankees’ bullpen has been consistently strong throughout this season with a sixth-ranked ERA in MLB.
while both teams are strong contenders, it seems that the Yankees hold some advantages heading into this series due to their powerful lineup and bullpen depth.
In conclusion (not included), it’s predicted that this series will be closely contested but ultimately favoring the Yankees who are expected to win in five games.The New York Yankees, with their impressive 94 wins and 815 runs scored, have been a dominant force in the American League this season. However, they now face a formidable opponent in the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS.
Led by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Bronx Bombers are a daunting matchup for any team. The series kicks off at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees will look to assert their dominance.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two teams match up position by position.
At catcher, rookie Austin Wells has had an impressive season for the Yankees. Despite struggling at the plate in September, he has shown great defensive skills and pitch receiving abilities. However, veteran Salvador Perez of the Royals is considered one of the best catchers in the game and brings his experience as a World Series MVP to this postseason matchup.
First base is an area of uncertainty for both teams. With Anthony Rizzo injured, Ben Rice or Oswaldo Cabrera may step up for the Yankees. Meanwhile, Vinnie Pasquantino and Yuli Gurriel have shared duties at first base for Kansas City. If Rice or Cabrera can find success against Gurriel, it could give the Yankees an advantage.
Second base is another closely contested position. Michael Massey has been solid for the Royals throughout this season and performed well in their Wild Card Series win. Gleyber Torres brings postseason experience to second base for New York but will need to improve his offensive numbers to match Massey’s production.
Shortstop is where Kansas City truly shines with Bobby Witt Jr., who had an outstanding regular season with impressive offensive numbers and stellar defense. Anthony Volpe of the Yankees has shown improvement defensively but will need to step up offensively against Witt’s dominance.
this ALDS matchup promises exciting battles across all positions on both teams’ rosters.Third base
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been a standout player for the New York Yankees since being traded from the Marlins. In just 46 games, he has hit 11 home runs with an .825 OPS. Chisholm’s defense at third base is also impressive, and his speed makes him a threat on the bases.
Left field
The left field position for both the Yankees and Royals is flexible. MJ Melendez started in each game of the Wild Card Series for the Royals, but Tommy Pham is also an option. Melendez had a low batting average this season but showed some power with 17 home runs.
New York has Jasson Domínguez and Alex Verdugo as options in left field. Domínguez provides offensive upside while Verdugo brings solid defense to the position.
Center field
The center field position is dominated by Aaron Judge of the Yankees. Judge is considered one of the best players in baseball and is a favorite for AL MVP this season. His impressive numbers include 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and a 1.159 OPS.
Right field
Juan Soto has been a standout player for the Yankees this season, hitting 41 home runs with a .419 on-base percentage. He pairs well with Judge in their lineup and adds another powerful bat to their roster.
The Royals have options in right field with Tommy Pham and Hunter Renfroe, but they don’t match up to Soto’s production.
Designated Hitter
Pasquantino had an incredible comeback after undergoing thumb surgery just four weeks ago. He had a solid regular season with a .262 batting average, 19 home runs, and a .761 OPS against right-handed pitching.
Giancarlo Stanton serves as designated hitter for the Yankees and has enjoyed a bounce-back season with 27 homers and a .773 OPS.
Starting pitching
The Yankees’ starting rotation consists of Gerrit Cole followed by Carlos Rodón and Luis Gil. Cole has postseason experience and performed well during his shortened regular season.
The Royals have quality starters like Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo who looked fantastic in their Wild Card Series games. The Royals’ rotation was strong during the regular season with an ERA ranking second in MLB behind only Seattle Mariners’.
Relief pitchers
Both teams have strong bullpens, but the Yankees have better numbers this season with their bullpen ranking sixth in MLB based on ERA.
