On Sunday, the Yankees fell to the Cardinals, matching their series losses from the previous nine series combined. Despite this setback, Fangraphs still places the Yankees among the top three contenders for the 2024 World Series, with a 14.8% chance of winning the title.
Yankees’ World Series chances amid recent struggles
The Yankees currently lead the American League with a 79-58 record, just ahead of the Orioles, who are at 79-59 with an 8.8% chance.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the frontrunners with a 15% chance of winning the World Series, while the Phillies follow with a 12.7% chance. Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees’ position as a top contender underscores their potential to succeed in the postseason.
However, recent performances have raised concerns about the Yankees’ ability to capitalize on their World Series prospects. Since June 1, the team has posted a mediocre 39-39 record over their last 78 games, reflecting inconsistency that has plagued their season. The latest loss to the Cardinals has only exacerbated these issues.
Sunday’s game against St. Louis highlighted several critical problems for the Yankees. Fans and media are questioning the team’s decisions, including the continued presence of Alex Verdugo on the roster and the limited playtime for Jasson Dominguez, who has only appeared in one MLB game.
On the mound, the Yankees’ pitching staff, led by Nestor Cortes, allowed a season-high 21 hits and 11 two-out runs. Cortes, who had been reliable in previous starts, struggled significantly, giving up five earned runs and nine hits in just four innings. His inability to generate swing-and-miss pitches was a key factor in the Yankees’ defeat.
Defensively, the Yankees were plagued by errors and misplays. Rainy and windy conditions further compromised their fielding, with Juan Soto misjudging a fly ball from Brendan Donovan, resulting in a second-inning double. Soto admitted that the wind played a role in the ball carrying further than he anticipated.
Despite trailing 7-2, the Yankees made a strong comeback attempt. They scored three runs in the fifth inning and tied the game at 7-7 in the sixth. Anthony Rizzo, returning after a lengthy injury hiatus, played a crucial role with two hits, including an RBI double. Gleyber Torres also contributed with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly. However, the Cardinals responded with five runs in the seventh inning, all with two outs. Lars Nootbaar’s three-run double and a two-run home run in the ninth secured a dominant win for St. Louis.
The Yankees’ struggles were also evident in the previous day’s narrow 6-5 loss to the Cardinals. Giancarlo Stanton’s eighth-inning drive nearly tied the game but fell short, adding to the Yankees’ frustration.
Up next
With the Yankees dropping two of three games at home to the Cardinals, they now face increased pressure. Their lead in the AL East has shrunk to half a game following Baltimore’s win on Sunday. As they prepare to start a crucial three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday night, the Yankees must quickly regain their form and assert their dominance in the final stretch of the regular season to enhance their World Series chances.
What do you think? Leave your comment below
I’m a lifelong Yankees fan, but I don’t think this team has the skills or mental toughness to get to the World Series. They’ll be lucky to win one round. Hurts me to say this, but they’re just not winners.