It is well established that the New York Yankees rank among the top teams in the American League. They have consistently held the No. 1 or No. 2 position throughout the season, largely influenced by the performance of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The new development is that the Yankees are demonstrating the capability to win the World Series, proving their legitimacy despite the absence of league‑leading star Aaron Judge.
The Yankees have compiled a 9‑4 record since the start of June while Judge has been sidelined. Earlier in the season, a diving attempt in the outfield aggravated a rib injury that he had been managing for an extended period. Against the Guardians, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and White Sox, the team has remained competitive.
According to Baseball Reference, the Yankees have averaged 5.77 runs per game without Judge, compared with a 5.17‑run average over the first 59 games when he was active. Over this 13‑game stretch, the lineup posted a collective slash line of .262/.332/.470, featuring 23 home runs, 49 walks, and 15 stolen bases.
Ben Rice is emerging as an MVP candidate, while Cody Bellinger is enjoying one of his finest individual seasons. At 38, Paul Goldschmidt is slugging at a level reminiscent of his 34‑year‑old prime when he captured the NL MVP award with the Cardinals.
In recent seasons, the Yankees have struggled when Judge has been absent. Since 2020, they have posted a 57‑64 record in games he missed, yielding a .583 winning percentage when he was active. While it is reasonable to expect a dip without the premier hitter of his generation, the current roster suggests they could still be the AL’s best team even without Judge.
Although it is only mid‑June, the Yankees are poised to remain competitive against a relatively weak American League, provided no major injuries arise. With Judge expected to return in August, his return to form alongside this talented group could propel the Yankees toward their 28th World Series championship.
Right‑hander Cam Schlittler is a leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award. Gerrit Cole appears rejuvenated after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Left‑hander Max Fried, currently on the injured list due to a bone bruise on his left elbow, remains an integral part of the rotation. Carlos Rodón has been strong in his seven starts since returning to health.
The combination of New York’s strong starting rotation and a healthy Aaron Judge gives the Yankees a realistic chance to win it all.
It is difficult to envision the Yankees being eliminated before the World Series. Only three AL teams hold a positive run differential, and just five teams have winning records. While the White Sox may have the potential for an upset, the Yankees have dominated them recently. The Mariners remain a threat, the Guardians are challenging, and the Rays have consistently bested the Yankees head‑to‑head, yet the Yankees’ excuses for falling short would be minimal if Judge is healthy in October.
The Yankees are demonstrating that they are more than a token team that merely advanced through a weak AL field; they can contend with the Dodgers, Brewers, Braves, and any NL challenger.
This represents their strongest opportunity to capture a championship since 2009.
