New York Yankees: 2020 WS Contenders

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2078 days ago

The New York Yankees are one of the most well-known teams in the MLB, so much so that even a non-baseball fanatic will mention the Yankees. Whether it is positive or negative remarks, the Bronx is the team fans will always talk about. The Yankees represent one of the first teams in baseball, a team with history and determination.

New York, Neeew York

New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the second inning in Game 2 of baseball’s American League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The Fail of 2019

At the beginning of 2019, after winter meetings and signings throughout spring training. The Yankees were big contenders for winning the World Series in 2019. The comments flared New York’s best bullpen in baseball, offense out of this world, and the starting rotation. Once the season started, it seemed like New York had injury after injury, beginning with Giancarlo Stanton. Practically half of the Yankees’ starters were in the IL list, Judge, Sanchez, Voit, and the list goes on.

The Yankees secure a spot in the postseason — Sep 19, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; the New York Yankees pose for a photo on the field as they celebrate after winning the American League East after defeating the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Light at the End

Although injuries were in high demand with New York the team managed to take the #1 spot in the AL East. The team won 103 games in 2019, landing them a spot in the 2019 playoffs. It seemed like things were looking up for the Yankees, Judge, Sanchez, and Stanton had returned in time to join the race for the ring.

Too Good To Be True

The ALCS began, it was an ongoing battle between the Astros and the Yankees. Which team would move on to the championship game? A nail-biting series from beginning to end, but unfortunately for New York, ended in Game 6, where Jose Altuve hit the walk-off home-run and sent the Astros to the WS. Although this past season did not work out for the Yankees this organization was not ready to go down without a fight when it came to 2020.

Time to Take Action

The Yankees organization was determined to end the 10-year title drought and made big changes with the team. It began with releasing players like Jacoby Ellsbury and Greg Bird from the team and re-signing Gardner to a 1-year contract. Not to mention the biggest signing thus far of one of the best pitchers in the 2019 season Gerrit Cole.

Possible World Series Champs of 2020

Gerrit Cole automatically makes the Yankees strong competitors for the 2020 season. However, is it enough to bring it home and avoid another disappointing outcome? Players like DJ, Torres, Judge, and Sanchez bring the much-needed fire to the Yankees offense. Cole brings a much-needed stability defense-wise but is it enough to take the cake? One thing is certain, Yankees will be the team to watch out for this upcoming season. Maybe, just maybe, a 2020 World Series Championship will be heading down to the Bronx.

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