As the MLB playoffs draw near, the New York Yankees find themselves in a precarious position. While a playoff berth seems likely, the team’s reliance on star player Aaron Judge has become a double-edged sword. Judge’s brilliance is undeniable, but baseball is a team sport, and the Yankees need other players to step up and share the burden if they want to make a deep postseason run.
The Yankees’ World Series odds, currently at +850 according to Fanduel, reflect both optimism and concern. While they are among the top contenders, the team’s inconsistencies and struggles in late-game situations have fueled a sense of panic in the Bronx. The team’s struggles at the plate have been a major talking point this season, despite Judge’s brilliance. The team ranks 14th in batting average, which is not enough if they hope to compete for a title.
This article delves into three key Yankees players who must elevate their performance alongside Aaron Judge in the playoffs. These players hold the key to unlocking the Yankees’ full potential and transforming them from a Judge-dependent team into a formidable October threat.
Devin Williams Needs to Rebound
Devin Williams’s first season in pinstripes has been nothing short of a disappointment. Expected to be a reliable closer, Williams has struggled with consistency and command, posting a 5.50 ERA with 18 saves, 10 holds, and four blown saves. His struggles led to him losing his closer role to David Bednar. His recent performance against the Houston Astros, where he allowed four earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning, underscores his challenges.
Williams’s past playoff experience offers little solace. Last season, he pitched in two games and allowed four earned runs on three hits and one run. If the Yankees hope to make a deep postseason run, they need Williams to rediscover his form and become a reliable option out of the bullpen. A strong bullpen is crucial for any team with championship aspirations, and Williams’s performance will be a key factor in the Yankees’ success.
With a potential AL Wild Card Series matchup against the Boston Red Sox looming, Williams’s ability to handle high-pressure situations will be put to the test. If he can regain his confidence and command, he could become a valuable asset for the Yankees. However, if he continues to struggle, it could spell an early exit for the Bronx Bombers.
Ryan McMahon Must Excel
The Yankees brought in Ryan McMahon with the hope that he could provide a clutch bat in the middle of the lineup. However, his performance has been inconsistent, leaving fans wanting more. McMahon is currently batting .220 with 19 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 57 runs overall. His numbers with the Yankees (.229 with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and 15 runs in 40 games) are not significantly better.
While the Yankees possess considerable power, particularly with Judge, their overall offensive production has been lacking. They rank just 14th in batting average and fifth in on-base percentage. McMahon was expected to improve those numbers, but he has not lived up to expectations. He has been slumping at the worst possible time, going 1 for 11 in his last few games. The Yankees need him to turn things around quickly.
McMahon’s performance at the bottom of the batting order is crucial. If he can consistently get on base and drive in runs, it will take pressure off Judge and the top of the lineup. However, if he continues to struggle, the Yankees’ offense will likely stall against good pitching in October. McMahon needs to find his rhythm and become the clutch hitter the Yankees envisioned when they acquired him.
Ben Rice Needs to Help Aaron Judge
Ben Rice has emerged as a bright spot for the Yankees this season, providing a spark with his bat. He is batting .238 with 23 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 64 runs. His power has been a welcome addition to the lineup. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Rice has struggled with consistency, recently mired in a 2-for-20 slump.
Rice’s performance is particularly important because he often hits in the cleanup spot behind Cody Bellinger. If Judge and Bellinger are on base, the Yankees need Rice to drive them in. Likewise, Giancarlo Stanton must have runners to drive in. The Yankees have had an “all-or-nothing” mentality at the plate, and it’s simply not working consistently. Rice needs to be a consistent presence in the lineup and provide protection for Judge.
With a potential playoff series against the Detroit Tigers looming, Rice must step up and deliver. The Tigers have given the Yankees trouble this week, and the Yankees’ offense will need to be firing on all cylinders to overcome them. Rice has the potential to be a breakout star, and the Yankees need him to seize the moment in October.
The New York Yankees’ playoff fate hinges not only on the brilliance of Aaron Judge but also on the performance of key players around him. Devin Williams must rediscover his form in the bullpen, Ryan McMahon needs to provide a spark at the bottom of the order, and Ben Rice must offer consistent production in the middle of the lineup.
If these three players can elevate their game and provide Judge with the support he needs, the Yankees have the potential to make a deep postseason run. However, if they continue to struggle, the Yankees risk an early exit and another year of disappointment for their fans. The spotlight is on these players to step up and prove that they can be counted on when it matters most.
The playoffs are a time for heroes to emerge, and these three Yankees have the opportunity to etch their names in franchise history. Whether they rise to the occasion or fall short remains to be seen, but their performance will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the Yankees’ success in October.
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