Three Reasons Why the Yankees May Have What It Takes to Win the AL East

Despite having a terrible stretch run in the middle of the season, the New York Yankees still have the chance to overthrow the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East title this season. While the team definitely has to improve against teams in their own division, their most recent win against the Blue Jays is proof that they at least have a fighting chance. With one more game against the Blue Jays and then a series against the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees have the opportunity to significantly climb the standings and leave the summer struggles behind them. Here are three reasons why the Yankees have a chance at winning the American League East this season. 

The Blue Jays Keep Losing, and the Yankees Keep Winning

Despite winning the first game against the Yankees this series, the Blue Jays have been on a terrible stretch run. In the last 10 games, the Blue Jays are 5-5, and within the last few weeks, they allowed the Yankees to come within striking distance. The Blue Jays will host the Houston Astros, a team above .500 after the Yankees, which is a team that they have a significant chance of losing against. The Yankees, however, are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have been on a long-lasting winning streak. If the Yankees keep winning and the Blue Jays keep losing, there’s a chance the Yankees can end up on top. 

Roman Anthony Injury 

Last week, the Red Sox lost outfielder Roman Anthony for the rest of the season with an oblique injury. Since losing Anthony, the Red Sox have been on a losing streak. Anthony was a spark to the Red Sox order, and losing him is testing the lineup in ways they didn’t imagine would happen at this point in the season. If the Red Sox continue to lose and are no longer in striking distance, the Yankees won’t have to worry about another team coming after them for the division and can focus on overtaking the Blue Jays. 

The American League Is Wide Open

In years past, there has been a clear frontrunner in the American League, based on both skills and winning percentage. This season has been a disappointment for almost every team in the league, and there isn’t a clear winner of any division. While the Detroit Tigers once looked better than everyone else for a good portion of the season, they now trail the Blue Jays for the best record in the American League. The Yankees only being three games out of first place in the AL East means they are that close to reclaiming the best record in the entire AL, and if they can keep it, it would guarantee home-field advantage for the playoffs.