With the MLB regular season winding down and the Postseason kicking off in just under a week, one of the closest division title races in baseball remains in the AL East between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.
Each team has six games remaining, with the Yankees holding a six game lead in the division.
However, the two teams face off against one another one last time with a three game set scheduled between September 24th-September 26th. This series could be pivotal in deciding who comes out on top.
In Major League Baseball, winning the division is pretty crucial, especially this year, as these two teams hold the two best records in the American League.
The winner would receive a BYE in the first round of the playoffs, while the other would be playing in a Wild Card round best of three series, where anything could happen. The winner of the AL East will also clinch home field advantage throughout the postseason (up until the World Series depending on records).
The Yankees and Orioles both have powerhouse lineups as well as big time aces leading their rotation.
While the Yankees have arguably the best duo in baseball in Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Orioles have their notable duo leading the charge in Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.
In terms of the rotations, the Yankees are led by reigning AL CY Young award winner Gerrit Cole. On the other side, the Orioles are led by former 2021 CY Young award winner Corbin Burnes, who they acquired via a trade with the Brewers this past winter. The two are set to face off against one another in the Bronx later this week.
With both teams still standing a chance to clinch the division and many fans of both teams in the area, the ending of this MLB season and race for the AL East could be one for the ages as it could go either way.
When asked if the Orioles could still win the division, Orioles fan and current Senior Dan Gruseke said, “… I still believe. We [the Orioles] have been in a slump lately, but are still the same team from the beginning of the season and need that spark back. With the upcoming series against the Yankees, anything could happen, and a sweep could be our way back on top”.
On the other hand, Yankees fan and current Senior Tyler McGeehan said, “I think the Yankees will win the division. With a four game lead with little play remaining, along with the powerhouse lineup with Judge and Soto… we are in a good spot”.
This upcoming series should be the decider for the AL East and should be an exciting few days of baseball to close out the 2024 MLB regular season. Who do you think will take the division?
