The New York Yankees have clinched the AL East division title for the second time in three years with a dominant 10-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
The win secures them a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the upcoming ALDS. Leading the charge were Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who have been offensive powerhouses throughout the season. Judge’s 58 home runs, paired with Soto’s career-high 41, make them one of the best offensive duos in modern baseball history.
As the Yankees focused on the playoffs, manager Aaron Boone emphasized the team’s determination, stating they are ready to take advantage of this opportunity. The Yankees have gained momentum, going 11-5 since September 8, while the Orioles faltered, losing their grip on the division.
Judge and Soto’s performances have drawn comparisons to the legendary Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, as they lead the league in key offensive metrics.
Despite some injuries, particularly to Nestor Cortes, the Yankees’ pitching staff is holding strong. Gerrit Cole has found his form, posting a 2.25 ERA over his last 10 starts. With Soto’s contract expiring after this season and no clear AL superteam, the Yankees are in prime position to make a deep postseason run, potentially their best shot since 2009.
