The Yankees are gearing up for their ALDS showdown with the Kansas City Royals, but Aaron Boone has yet to reveal the answer to one of the biggest questions: who will start in left field?
It’s down to Alex Verdugo or Jasson Dominguez, and Boone’s decision could have a huge impact on the series.
During his media session, Boone hinted at having a direction in mind but wasn’t quite ready to commit, saying, “I have in my mind where I’m going, but I’m still going to let it marinate for 24 hours and make sure I’m talking to the right people.”
Boone and Cashman weigh tough LF decision
The Yankees manager acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding Dominguez, especially after a few high-profile plays in recent games. Boone added,
“Obviously, there’s a few plays that have gotten a lot of attention, and understandably so… it’s a tough spot to be in.”
For Boone, it’s about getting Dominguez ready for this moment while understanding the stakes that come with a win-or-go-home scenario. “The compete factor is there. The whole purpose of getting him up when we did is to learn as much as we could,” Boone noted.
Dominguez’s rapid rise has been one of the most fascinating storylines of the Yankees’ season, but now they need to determine if he’s ready for October pressure. Boone hinted earlier this year that Dominguez could be used in these kinds of moments, and it’s no secret the Yankees have been weighing their options. The Royals may have finished the season as the fifth seed, but Boone isn’t taking them lightly.
Brian Cashman was also asked about the postseason outlook, particularly in light of the blockbuster trade for Juan Soto. With Soto’s free agency looming, the Yankees’ GM was asked if the trade could be called a success if they fall short of a World Series title this year. Cashman responded, “Everybody that’s in the tournament has a legitimate chance to raise that trophy. It’s a lot more complicated than just one move. He was brought in to improve our chances, and he has improved our chances without a doubt.”
Cashman’s answer was a reminder that while trades like Soto’s bring immediate impact, postseason baseball isn’t as simple as adding a big name. It’s about performance in October, and Soto has delivered that before, with a history of success under the bright lights.
The Yankees enter this series against Kansas City with a lot of optimism, but also the weight of expectation. It’s been 15 years since the Yankees last won it all, and this roster was built to end that drought. Boone put it simply when asked what it would take to win a World Series this year: “Pitch, hit, and catch the baseball. We do those three things, I’ll take our chances.” It’s an easy formula to say, but it’s been elusive for the Yankees in recent postseasons.
What the Yankees need to succeed
Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Gerrit Cole. Those three names alone have the potential to carry the Yankees far this October. Judge capped off an MVP-worthy season with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and a 1.159 OPS, putting himself once again among the game’s elite. If Judge and Soto can catch fire simultaneously, they could put up numbers reminiscent of Yankees legends. Soto, who hit 41 home runs with a .988 OPS, has been every bit the superstar the Yankees hoped for when they acquired him. This lineup has power, patience, and experience.
Gerrit Cole, who missed part of the season but has come back strong, is set to start Game 1. With a 2.25 ERA over his last ten starts, he’s the kind of pitcher you want leading your rotation into October. Carlos Rodon follows in Game 2, coming off a season where he found consistency after a shaky start. The Yankees hope Luis Gil, a candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, or Clarke Schmidt can handle the Game 3 pressure if needed.
The bullpen has had its ups and downs, but Boone has options. Clay Holmes is no longer the set closer, but his ability to generate ground-ball outs could be crucial in tight spots. Luke Weaver has been mentioned as a potential closer or someone who can put out a fire earlier in a game. The Yankees have depth, which they’ll need if they want to advance.
The Royals may not have been expected to get this far, but they’ve earned their spot. Bobby Witt Jr., at just 24 years old, has been sensational and is the favorite for AL MVP if not for Judge. Witt led MLB in batting average (.332) and hits (211), and he’s delivered in clutch moments throughout the postseason. The Royals also boast a strong defense and a bullpen that shut down Baltimore in the Wild Card Series. The Yankees will need to respect what Kansas City brings, especially their ability to control the running game and their knack for executing late.
The Yankees are set for another October run, and if they can get the best out of their stars, this could be the year they finally end the drought.
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