New York Yankees fans might feel resentment for the people behind the Baseball-Reference website because of their win-loss projections for the 27-time World Series champions.
The online database for Major League Baseball predicted the Yankees to finish the 2024 regular season with a 71.6-90.4 record or 72-90 when rounded to the nearest number. That’s worst in the American League East and 21 games behind their predicted division champions, the Baltimore Orioles.
Baseball Reference is projecting the Yankees to finish last in the AL East at roughly 72-90
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 26, 2024
With 90% confidence, they're predicting their best case record at 82-80, and their worst case record at 61-101 pic.twitter.com/BFHVqH7doj
Baseball Reference projected the Yankees' best record at 82-80 while their worst at 61-101. The Yankees finished the 2023 season with a division-worst 82-80 record.
Whether the prediction becomes true or not, the Yankees have done transactions to improve their chances for a playoff berth. The trade for four-time Silver Slugger awardee Juan Soto is the most notable of their offseason moves.
The Yankees also acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, and Luke Weaver. They will join a roster featuring Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, Ben Rortvedt, DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe, Gleyber Torres, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Giancarlo Stanton.
However, there are some concerns regarding Aaron Judge's and Gerrit Cole's health. The former American League Most Valuable Player and the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner deal with elbow injuries that could sideline them for a while.
Those two players missing some time could lead to a tough start to 2024 for New York’s AL team.
-Lance Fernandez