From AL East triumph to record-breaking blasts: Yankees’ top 10 moments in 2024

The Yankees‘ 2024 season ended much as it unfolded—filled with promise but ultimately characterized by a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Despite the inconsistency, New York secured their ALDS spot against the Royals, leaving fans to ponder what went wrong amid the turbulence. But even during a year marked by frustration, the Yankees gave glimpses of why they are always a threat. Here are the ten standout moments from the 2024 season.

10. Juan Soto’s ninth-inning throw on Opening day (03/28/2024)

Juan Soto made an immediate impact on both sides of the field during his Yankees debut on Opening Day against Houston. The left fielder delivered a clutch ninth-inning throw, cutting down the tying run at the plate as Jose Trevino applied the tag. With New York up 5-4 and Astros’ runners threatening, Soto fielded a one-out single from Kyle Tucker and fired a perfect throw home. Clay Holmes then closed the door, securing the Yankees’ first win of the year.

9. Juan Soto’s first HR at Yankee Stadium (03/30/2024)

Juan Soto gave Yankees fans something to cheer about early in the season, delivering his first home run at Yankee Stadium on March 30 as New York faced the Houston Astros. Soto’s three-run blast not only gave New York the lead but also showcased why the Yankees pursued him aggressively in the offseason. He finished that day with a .333/.438/.436 slash line to start the season, already displaying his elite ability both at the plate and in the field.

Soto wasn’t the only one making waves that night—Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ young shortstop, hit his second home run of the season, boosting his line to .441/.513/.706. Volpe’s emergence became one of the brightest storylines early in the year.

8. Alex Verdugo’s big return to Fenway (06/14/2024)

It was always going to be emotional for Alex Verdugo when he returned to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded to the Yankees. On June 14, Verdugo put on a show in his old stomping grounds, launching a two-run homer on the first pitch he saw. The left fielder continued his productive night with an RBI double in the fifth and an RBI single in the ninth, helping New York to an 8-1 win against the Red Sox.

7. Ben Rice’s three-homer game against Boston (07/06/2024)

On July 6, Ben Rice delivered a performance for the history books. The rookie first baseman hit three home runs against the Red Sox, leading New York to a 14-4 victory. His first shot came in the opening frame, giving the Yankees an early 1-0 lead, while his second and third blasts came in the midst of a seven-run fifth inning and a big seventh, respectively. Rice became the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in a game, earning a curtain call from the Bronx faithful.

6. Juan Soto’s go-ahead HR vs. San Francisco (06/02/2024)

In a thrilling conclusion to their series against the Giants on June 2, Juan Soto came through in the clutch. Trailing 5-3 in the ninth inning, Anthony Volpe delivered an RBI triple to cut the deficit to one, bringing Soto to the plate. Soto then launched a two-run home run to right field, giving the Yankees a 6-5 lead and completing the weekend sweep in San Francisco.

5. Aaron Judge sets franchise record for home runs before All-Star break (07/13/2024)

Aaron Judge didn’t just bounce back from a slow start—he roared back. On July 13, Judge hit his 34th home run of the season against the Orioles, setting a new Yankees record for most homers before the All-Star break. He eclipsed his own mark of 33 homers from 2022 and surpassed Roger Maris’s record from 1961. The blast was part of a back-to-back effort with Juan Soto in Baltimore, reaffirming Judge’s status as the heart of the Yankees’ lineup.

4. Jazz Chisholm’s first HR with the Yankees (07/07/2024)

Jazz Chisholm wasted no time making an impression after being traded to New York from Miami. On July 7, in only his second game in pinstripes, Chisholm launched his first home run with the Yankees in the second inning against the Phillies. He wasn’t done—he added another homer in the ninth inning, bringing an electrifying flair to the Yankees with his trademark “Euro step” at home plate.

3. Luke Weaver’s First Career Save (09/06/2024)

After Clay Holmes’ struggles in the closer role, the Yankees found themselves experimenting with different bullpen options. On September 6, Luke Weaver earned his first career save, helping New York to a 3-0 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Weaver struck out Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki before surviving a tense at-bat with Cody Bellinger. The save sparked calls from fans for Weaver to take over the closer duties heading into October.

2. Aaron Judge’s 58th home run (09/26/2024)

Aaron Judge continued rewriting the Yankees record book on September 26, hitting his 58th home run of the season against the Orioles. The blast gave New York a commanding 9-0 lead and marked Judge’s fifth consecutive game with a home run, tying a career-best streak. It was part of a 10-1 victory that secured the AL East crown, with Judge once again proving why he’s the face of the franchise.

1. Yankees clinch the AL East crown (09/26/2024)

The Yankees’ 10-1 victory over the Orioles on September 26 sealed their 21st division title, securing a home-field advantage in the ALDS. Aaron Judge led the charge with his 58th home run, while Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole added standout performances to cap off the night. The win marked a triumphant turnaround after missing the playoffs in 2023, as Judge said, “Coming up short last year, it stings. We wanted to make a statement, come back here, and put ourselves in a good position going into the postseason.”

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride, but these ten moments reminded Yankees fans of the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders. As the postseason looms, the Yankees will look to channel these highlights into their pursuit of a 28th World Series title.

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