Yankees positioned as World Series favorites with AL East lead and Aaron Judge’s power surge
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Follow UsAs the MLB season reaches its final stretch, the New York Yankees have emerged as the clear favorites to win the World Series, according to FanGraphs. The site gives the Bronx Bombers an 18.5% chance to claim the championship, the highest among all teams heading into Tuesday night’s action.
AL East odds heavily favor Yankees
FanGraphs also projects the Yankees as strong contenders to win the AL East, assigning them an 87.9% chance of securing the division title. The Baltimore Orioles, their closest competition, have just a 12.1% chance.
At 87-63, the Yankees hold a 3.0-game lead over the Orioles with 12 games remaining on their schedule. They are also in a tight race with the Cleveland Guardians for the top spot in the American League, leading them by just 0.5 games. Finishing with the AL’s best record would give the Yankees a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason—a significant edge as they eye another deep playoff run.
Mariners series looms large
The Yankees will travel to Seattle to open a three-game series against the Mariners on Tuesday night. Both teams are playing with high stakes. The Yankees are looking to clinch the division title, while the Mariners, sitting 4.0 games back in the AL West and 2.0 games out of a Wild Card spot, are fighting to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.
Seattle’s pitching staff will have their hands full, especially with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge back in top form.
Aaron Judge back on track for 60 home runs
After a career-long 17-game home run drought, Aaron Judge has reignited his pursuit of 60 home runs this season, hitting two in his last three games. Judge’s current slugging percentage of .602 places him in elite company, trailing only six players in MLB history. This legendary list includes Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx, and Hank Greenberg, along with future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.
Judge’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He is batting .321 with 53 home runs and 132 RBIs, making him a leading candidate for the American League MVP award. For Mariners pitchers, keeping him in check will be a tall task throughout the series.
High stakes ahead for both teams
Tuesday night’s game, set for a 9:40 p.m. ET first pitch, marks the beginning of a crucial series for both teams. The Yankees are looking to solidify their position atop the AL standings, while the Mariners are in desperate need of wins to keep their postseason dreams alive.
With the playoffs looming, this series could serve as a preview of what lies ahead in October baseball, making it a must-watch for fans of both clubs.
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