Who should the Yankees hope to play in the ALDS? Who should they hope to avoid? Let’s dive in.
Unless there’s an epic collapse, the New York Yankees will win their first AL East title since 2012. The Yankees are in complete control of the division and may just end up being the lone team from the east to make the postseason.
By winning the division, the Yankees will avoid the dreaded wild card game and head straight to the ALDS.
If the season ended today, New York would hold home field throughout the postseason meaning they’d play the winner of the AL Wild Card game, but if they do not hold onto the AL’s best record, they will play another AL division winner.
With a lot of possibilities, we rank the Yankees potential postseason opponents from least to most desirable.
5. Houston Astros
The Yankees are unlikely to face Houston until the ALCS, but if they were to draw them in the ALDS a best of five series against Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke would not be fun.
4. Cleveland Indians
Despite the fact, there’s a chance Cleveland could miss out on the postseason they would not be a desirable match-up for the Yankees. The Indians took four of seven against the Bombers this season and have a talented pitching staff to pair with a balanced offensive attack.
3. Oakland A’s
Like the Indians, the A’s are no lock to make the postseason. However, if they do, they will be a force to be reckoned with. If they are able to steal a game in New York, it could mean the end of the road for the Yankees as the Oakland Coliseum is never kind to the Bombers.
2. Minnesota Twins
The Twins proved during their July series with the Yankees that they aren’t the same Twins of the past. Their offense is full of power, and they have some solid arms in the starting rotation. However, their team doesn’t have all too much postseason experience, and the bullpen has question marks which should make them beatable. Despite the Rays having a true ace in Charlie Morton and possibly returning last year’s Cy young award winner Blake Snell the Yankees match-up perfectly with Tampa. The Rays offense lacks depth, and their bullpen has been shaky at times. With New York’s stacked lineup and ability to work pitch counts, they should easily score enough runs to win a best of five series with the Rays.
1. Tampa Bay Rays
Despite the Rays having a true ace in Charlie Morton and possibly returning last year’s Cy young award winner Blake Snell the Yankees match-up perfectly with Tampa. The Rays offense lacks depth, and their bullpen has been shaky at times. With New York’s stacked lineup and ability to work pitch counts, they should easily score enough runs to win a best of five series with the Rays.