The New York Yankees have had a tumultuous first half of the 2024 MLB season, characterized by significant highs and lows. They started strongly with five consecutive wins and finished April with a commendable 19-12 record. May continued their success, marked by only seven losses and a notable seven-game winning streak.
However, their fortunes took a downturn in June, where they struggled to maintain their early-season form, posting a disappointing 8-17 record since June 14th. Despite these setbacks, the Yankees achieved a milestone by becoming the first MLB team to reach 50 wins on June 14th.
Individual performances have been a mixed bag, with Aaron Judge standing out as a key contributor. Judge was recognized as the American League Player of the Month for May, highlighting his impact on the team’s success. Rookie pitcher Luis Gil also made waves, earning both AL Pitcher and Rookie of the Month honors for his outstanding performances in May.
The Yankees’ season thus far has been a tale of contrasting halves: a strong start followed by a concerning decline. As they approach the All-Star break, the team aims to regroup and address their recent struggles, seeking to rediscover their early-season prowess in the second half.
In terms of their projected win total for 2024, the odds set by FanDuel stand at 97.5 wins, with considerations for both over and under outcomes.
Reasons for Betting the Over:
Despite recent setbacks, a deeper analysis of the Yankees’ roster and schedule suggests they have the potential to exceed 97.5 wins in 2024. Offensively, the team remains formidable with Aaron Judge leading the charge as an AL MVP contender. Their lineup ranks among the league’s best in home runs and runs scored, bolstered by additions like Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham, which enhance depth and flexibility.
On the pitching front, Gerrit Cole continues to excel as the ace, supported by additions such as Marcus Stroman and Carlos Rodón, who have strengthened the rotation. While the bullpen has faced challenges, underlying metrics hint at possible improvement in the second half of the season.
Furthermore, the Yankees have a favorable schedule ahead, featuring multiple series against teams with records below .500. This provides ample opportunity for the team to accumulate wins and build momentum towards a strong finish.
Despite facing challenges, including recent inconsistencies, the Yankees’ talent, improved roster depth, and advantageous schedule suggest they can surpass the 97.5-win threshold. A strong conclusion to the season appears not only achievable but highly probable for this squad.
Reasons for Betting the Under:
However, the Yankees face significant obstacles in surpassing 97.5 wins in 2024. Their recent struggles, particularly evident during their June slump, have exposed vulnerabilities across the roster that could hinder their performance in the latter part of the season.
Offensively, the team has been plagued by inconsistency, alternating between explosive performances and prolonged slumps. Similarly, their once-dominant pitching staff has shown signs of weakness, especially in high-leverage bullpen situations.
Injuries have also played a detrimental role, with key players like Nestor Cortes Jr. and Tommy Kahnle currently sidelined, which has depleted the team’s pitching resources. Despite the anticipated return of players like Carlos Rodón, concerns linger over their ability to consistently deliver at a high level.
The Yankees’ remaining schedule poses challenges, including tough matchups against formidable divisional rivals like the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. As the competition intensifies in the AL East, each game becomes pivotal, and the Yankees’ recent inconsistencies raise doubts about their ability to secure wins against top-tier opponents.
While the Yankees possess the talent to turn their season around, the combination of inconsistent performances, injury setbacks, and a demanding schedule casts uncertainty on their prospects of surpassing 97.5 wins in 2024.
Final Prediction and Pick:
Considering the Yankees’ recent struggles and the challenges they face, particularly with injuries and a competitive schedule, betting on them to achieve more than 97.5 wins seems ambitious. Their inconsistency at the plate and vulnerability in the bullpen suggest they may fall short of this mark. While their talent is undeniable, the obstacles ahead make a season with 97.5 or more wins unlikely.
while the Yankees possess the potential to perform well, their current circumstances indicate that betting on them to achieve over 97.5 wins in 2024 may not be the most prudent choice.
