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The New York Yankees will face the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series after the Royals defeated the Orioles in the wild-card round in Baltimore. The best-of-five series opens Saturday in New York, and the winner will move on to confront either the Cleveland Guardians or the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS.
Game times
Game 1: Royals at Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6:38 p.m. ET, TBS/Max
Game 2: Royals at Yankees, Monday, Oct. 7, at 7:38 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV/Max
Game 3: Yankees at Royals, Wednesday, Oct. 9, Time TBD, TBS/truTV/Max
Game 4: Yankees at Royals, Thursday, Oct. 10, Time TBD, TBS/truTV/Max (if necessary)
Game 5: Royals at Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 12, Time TBD, TBS/Max (if necessary)
Pitching matchups
The break should, at least in theory, offer an advantage. When comparing the Yankees’ rotation to the Royals’, it seems that both align closely in capability. However, the overall schedule and other factors might actually tilt the scales in favor of the Yankees, despite similar ERA figures over the season.
To begin with, ERA is not a reliable indicator. It ranks among the least effective statistics for forecasting upcoming games while serving to recount past performances, especially given the stark contrasts between home run-friendly parks like Yankee Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. A more useful metric is the strikeout minus walk rate, revealing a noticeable gap between the Yankees’ and Royals’ staffs down to decimal points.
Moreover, the significance of the back end of each rotation may be minimal. The Yankees utilized nearly 200 innings from starters boasting a 4.68 ERA, many of whom may not be included on the playoff roster. Conversely, the Royals’ full-season rotation stats are somewhat misleading, featuring some pitchers who likely won’t participate in the ALDS; they logged fewer innings (168) and recorded a superior ERA (4.27), which distorts
The Royals’ current predicament is reminiscent of the struggles faced by their bullpen during championship seasons, though this perception lacks support from key statistics. The Yankees have demonstrated a substantial advantage, underscored by projections for their top four pitchers, who boast a park-neutral ERA of 3.20, the second-best among postseason teams. In stark contrast, the Royals languish with a projected ERA of 4.10, the worst among playoff contenders. While Lucas Erceg presents an inspiring narrative, he alone cannot carry the Royals.
It’s common to hear arguments suggesting that the Royals hold a pitching advantage in this series. However, those making such claims might not be familiar with The Athletic. — Eno Sarris
Reasons the Yankees will Prevail
The Yankees boast two of the most exceptional talents on the field: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, often compared to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of this generation. Although Bobby Witt Jr. is a formidable competitor—poised to finish as the AL MVP runner-up, demonstrating his capability to dominate games through sheer athleticism—Judge and Soto hitting in succession present a significant threat to the Royals. Complementing them are strong hitters like Gleyber Torres, who has thrived in the leadoff position with an OPS of .824 over the last 40 games; Austin Wells, a candidate for Rookie of the Year; and Giancarlo Stanton, known for his postseason prowess with 11 home runs in 27 playoff appearances.
Moreover, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, Gerrit Cole, is set to pitch Game 1. Despite a rocky regular season, he concluded with an impressive 2.25 ERA over his last ten starts. Their Game 2 starter, Rodón, has yielded just two runs across two starts (13 innings) against Kansas City this season. For Game 3, options like Luis Gil (15-7, 3.50 ERA) and Clarke Schmidt (5-5, 2.85 ERA) pose additional threats. The Yankees’ bullpen has also improved significantly since Luke Weaver stepped into the closer role.
There are certainly areas of concern, such as the absence of Anthony Rizzo, whose defensive consistency at first base will be missed, and uncertainty in left field between Jasson Domínguez and Alex Verdugo. Nevertheless, the Yankees’ health has improved significantly, they won the season series against the Royals 5-2, and they will benefit from home-field advantage in the Bronx. Do not underestimate the impact of the Yankee Stadium crowd on opposing teams. — Brendan Kuty
Reasons the Royals Might Triumph
The Royals possess a remarkable history in postseason play that few teams can match.
Since 1985, they have achieved a 9-1 record in their last ten postseason series and hold a playoff game record of 32-15. This includes two World Series titles in 1985 and 2015, notably excluding their most recent meeting with the Yankees in October, during which the Royals swept the 1980 ALCS, taking the series in three games.
While the ancient playoff rivalry between the Royals and Yankees from the late 1970s and early 80s won’t influence this series, Kansas City’s chances hinge on two factors: the unpredictable nature of a five-game series and their ability to field Ragans and Lugo in three of the potential five games.
Ragans, after a stellar six-scoreless inning performance against the Orioles on Tuesday, is slated to start Game 2 at Yankee Stadium against Rodón,
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Rosenthal: With the Astros out of the picture, the Yankees must seize their moment
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Fear the Royals, the unlikely savants of October
Yankees Player Spotlight: Aaron Judge, CF
He is unequivocally the best player in baseball. No doubt about it. This season, he may even be a superior overall hitter compared to when he set the AL single-season record with 62 home runs in 2022. Judge led the MLB in 12 statistical categories, including home runs (58), RBIs (144), walks (133), OPS (1.159), and fWAR (11.2). He has also been a reliable defender in center field this year and is serving as the team’s official captain for his second season. As Judge strengthens his Hall of Fame candidacy, he is eager to check off another crucial box: postseason success. In 44 playoff games, his batting average stands at just .211 with a .772 OPS. Making a significant impact in October and ultimately securing a World Series ring are undoubtedly his primary goals. However, the question remains: Will the Royals allow Judge to prevail against them? — Kuty
GO DEEPER
How Aaron Judge transformed his ‘terrible’ swing to become the world’s best hitter
Royals Player Spotlight: Bobby Witt Jr., SS
Witt is poised to come in as the runner-up to Judge in the AL MVP voting, yet he would undoubtedly prefer to reach the ALCS.
At just 24 years old, Witt provided the game-winning RBI in Game 1 against the Orioles. All season long, he has risen to the occasion. In his third major-league season, Witt achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first player ever to record 200 hits, 100 runs, 40 doubles, 30 home runs, 10 triples, and 30 stolen bases in a single year.
When it comes to the intensity of October at Yankee Stadium, there are few brighter“`html
| TEAMS | R/G | SP ERA | RP ERA | OPS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Performers of the Yankees
| PLAYER | POS | KEY STATISTICS | WAR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Performers of the Royals
<div id="table-preview-364187"-WAR
Lineup
SS
211 Hits, 45 2B, .977 OPS
9.4
Rotation
LHP
3.14 ERA, 223 Ks, 10.8 K/9
4.9
Bullpen
RHP
2.88 ERA, 149 ERA+, 11.2 K/9
1.2
Fielding
SS
2 DRS, 3.8 UZR
17.5 (dWAR)
Essential Reads for Yankees
The reason Aaron Judge organized a players-only meeting that ignited the Yankees’ momentum in September.
Insights into Aaron Judge’s swing modification that propelled him through yet another exceptional season.
Five key takeaways regarding the Yankees’ regular season and a preview of the upcoming postseason.
An inside look at the Yankees’ scouting efforts and the development process for Luis Gil.
Matt Blake shares why Yankees fans should maintain faith in the team’s bullpen as the postseason approaches.
Essential Reads for Royals
Don’t underestimate the Royals, the unexpected experts of October.
A retrospective on the trade that brought Cole Ragans to Kansas City.
Seth Lugo dominates the eight-pitch club: how his extensive arsenal led him to All-Star success.
Discover how Bobby Witt Jr. earned the nickname ‘Bobby Baseball’: nine narratives on his journey to stardom.
With Bobby Witt Jr. at the center, the Royals are cultivating a fresh culture and stepping into the modern realm of MLB.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Guardians vs. Tigers ALDS preview: Projections, pitching adjustments, and more
(Top image: Aaron Judge: Luke Hales / Getty Images; Bobby Witt Jr.: Jess Rapfogel / Getty Images)
ALDS Showdown: Yankees Face Royals as Playoff Drama Unfolds
Postseason Overview
The 2024 playoffs are heating up as the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees prepare for a thrilling matchup in the American League Division Series (ALDS). After an impressive Wild Card Series, where the Royals swept the Baltimore Orioles, they are poised to make a significant impact in the postseason. The Yankees, known for their storied playoff history, will be looking to assert their dominance as they face off against the emerging Royals.
Royals’ Road to the ALDS
- Wild Card Series Performance: The Kansas City Royals achieved a notable accomplishment by sweeping the Orioles in the AL Wild Card Series. A crucial 1-0 victory in Game 1 marked their first postseason win since their World Series title in 2015.
- Key Players: Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Pérez have been instrumental in the Royals’ success, both in the regular season and during the Wild Card Series.
- Pitching Strength: The Royals’ pitching staff has shown resilience, with standout performances from their starters and bullpen, crucial for their playoff advancement.
Yankees’ Playoff Journey
- Season Overview: The Yankees secured their playoff spot with a strong season, marked by powerful offensive performances and stable pitching.
- Key Players: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have been pivotal for the Yankees, providing consistent power-hitting and leadership.
- Pitching Depth: The Yankees boast a deep pitching rotation, with aces who have the potential to dominate in crucial playoff moments.
Matchup Breakdown
| Category | Royals | Yankees |
|---|---|---|
| Season Record | 87-75 | 92-70 |
| Key Players | Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Pérez | Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton |
| Pitching Staff ERA | 3.98 | 3.56 |
| Recent Form | Won 5 of last 6 games | Lost 2 of last 5 games |
Key Players to Watch
For the Royals
- Bobby Witt Jr.: As a dynamic player, Witt has been crucial in both offensive and defensive situations. His speed on the bases and defensive skills will be key against the Yankees.
- Salvador Pérez: The veteran catcher brings leadership and experience, essential for maintaining team morale during intense playoff games.
- Brady Singer: The young pitcher has emerged as a top starter for the Royals, and his performance in crucial games could be a game-changer.
For the Yankees
- Aaron Judge: The 2023 MVP candidate, Judge’s power-hitting capabilities make him a constant threat to any pitching staff, including the Royals.
- Giancarlo Stanton: Known for his home run potential, Stanton’s ability to deliver in clutch situations can turn the tide of a game.
- Gerrit Cole: As the ace of the Yankees’ rotation, Cole’s ability to dominate opponents will be vital in the ALDS.
Coaching Strategies
Royals’ Tactics
Manager Matt Quatraro has emphasized a balanced approach. The Royals will look to leverage their speed on the bases and aggressive hitting to take advantage of Yankees’ pitching. Defensive strategies will also come into play, focusing on limiting the Yankees’ scoring opportunities.
Yankees’ Approach
Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone is known for his analytical approach, often using advanced metrics to guide in-game decisions. Expect the Yankees to utilize their power-hitting roster to exploit any weaknesses in the Royals’ pitching, particularly through strategic matchups.
Game Predictions
The outcome of the ALDS matchup between the Royals and Yankees is highly anticipated, with predictions leaning towards a competitive series. Analysts believe the Yankees’ experience may give them an edge, but the Royals’ underdog momentum cannot be underestimated.
- Series Length Prediction: Many expect the series to go to at least five games, showcasing the strengths of both teams.
- Key to Victory for Royals: Consistent pitching and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
- Key to Victory for Yankees: Strong offensive performances and effective bullpen management.
Fan Experience and Engagement
The ALDS is not just about the games; it’s an opportunity for fans to engage with their teams and fellow supporters. Here’s how fans can enhance their experience:
- Viewing Parties: Organize or attend viewing parties with fellow fans for a communal experience.
- Social Media Engagement: Follow the teams on social media for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan interactions.
- Merchandise: Show support by wearing team colors and merchandise, which adds to the playoff atmosphere.
Historical Context
This playoff matchup is steeped in history, with the Yankees being one of the most successful franchises in MLB history. The Royals, while not as decorated, have experienced their own moments of glory, including their stunning 2015 World Series win. This current clash is another chapter in their ongoing rivalry.
Conclusion
As the ALDS unfolds, all eyes will be on the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees. With both teams showcasing immense talent, fan engagement, and playoff intensity, this series promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog Royals or the storied Yankees, this playoff drama is set to captivate baseball fans everywhere.
