As the 2022 MLB season has progressed, we’ve been faced with unexpected ups and downs, underdog stories, major disappointments, league-changing trades, and other noteworthy events. As a Yankees fan, from the team’s unstoppable win streaks to heavily underwhelming slumps, I’m just glad to say that all of this inconsistency has still resulted in the team’s first AL East title since 2012. Nevertheless, while the Yankees are most definitely contenders for a World Series title this October, there’s no denying that some harrowing obstacles stand in their way. Most notably, if the Yankees defeat the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, they will (likely) have to face the Houston Astros—an AL juggernaut ready to send the Yankees home for the third time in six years. 

The New York Yankees’ Playoff Run

When the Yankees embark on their playoff run, two key factors will play into their success. Firstly, it’s key that the Yankees lower-end starters make their presence felt on the mound. While it’s no sure-fire bet that high-end starters Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, and Nestor Cortes will be spotless on the mound, the aforementioned three have demonstrated a consistent high level of play all season. Cortes, especially, has been unshakeable and Severino has looked good since returning from injury, while Cole has recently been

 steady. However, lower-end starters Jameson Taillon, Domingo German, and Frankie Montas have been questionable for the Yankees thus far. With a near 4.00 ERA post-all star break, it’s critical that Taillon returns to the early-season consistency that we saw in the first half of the season. Unlike Taillon, German and Montas made their Yankees debuts in the second half of the season. However, Montas has been disappointing since coming from Oakland as he’s posted a weak 6.35 ERA in his eight appearances. While the team’s high-end starters are consistent as of recently, all Yankees fans are well aware that Cortes, Cole, and Severino are not invincible. Especially in high-stakes situations, it’s key that the Yankees’ lower-end starters step up and perform to relieve the remainder of the pitching staff from the inevitable pressure it will face. 

Moving away from the pitching side of the ball, the Yankees’ success will also be heavily dependent on the performances of a few key contributors. By key contributors, I mean every single hitter except for Aaron Judge. For the final stretch of the regular season, any baseball fan could tell you that Aaron Judge put the Yankees’ offense on his back. While this may have been enough in the regular season, it certainly won’t be in the playoffs. More specifically, the Yankees will look to hitters DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Gia

ncarlo Stanton, and Matt Carpenter to heavily contribute at the plate. While other players will be expected to contribute as well, the aforementioned names were brought to Yankee Stadium more so for their bats than their gloves. Therefore, anything but substantial offensive production by said players in the playoffs will be a disappointment. However, the offensive performance all Yankees fans are hoping for is just what may bring home the Yankees 28th all time World Series and their first since 2009. 

Final Prediction: New York Yankees lose to Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in the World Series; Yankees’ offense crumbles against the Dodgers’ pitching