Why the Yankees Will Make the 2018 World Series

The Yankees were one game away from a place in last season's World Series, putting to bed any notion this was a team in transition. While their season surprised some, the Yankees were one of 2017's strongest franchises built upon the youth they traded veterans like Carlos Beltran and Andrew Miller for in 2016.

A run to the American League finals proved their young talent was already prepared for the big league and understandably makes the Yankees one of the favorites to be crowned champions this year.

Sports Illustrated, in its 2018 predictions, puts the Yankees in the World Series, with several commentators pointing to a powerful batting line-up and strong bullpen as strengths of the team's current roster. But you only have to look at last year's stand-out performers to know this team is capable of going all the way.

"Yankee Stadium" (CC BY 2.0) by shinya

The Yankees were one game away from a place in last season's World Series, putting to bed any notion this was a team in transition. While their season surprised some, the Yankees were one of 2017's strongest franchises built upon the youth they traded veterans like Carlos Beltran and Andrew Miller for in 2016. A run to the American League finals proved their young talent was already prepared for the big league and understandably makes the Yankees one of the favorites to be crowned champions this year.

Sports Illustrated, in its 2018 predictions, puts the Yankees in the World Series, with several commentators pointing to a powerful batting line-up and strong bullpen as strengths of the team's current roster. But you only have to look at last year's stand-out performers to know this team is capable of going all the way.

Aaron Judge's new rookie record of 52 home runs was tempered somewhat by the 208 strikeouts he suffered (another rookie record) but his power is there for all to see. The big-hitter was helped by Gary Sanchez who led all catchers in home runs despite missing nearly a month through injury.

The Yankees' big bats saw their MLB odds on bet365 shortened for props like first home run and team totals, as the team ended up topping all of MLB in home runs (241) and coming second in total runs scored (858). It's this run-scoring ability that's been making the news during the Yankees' early season form.

"P1000380" (CC BY 2.0) by chris.ptacek

Luis Severino's breakout year, leading the Yankees' starting rotation with an electric 2.98 ERA and 230 strikeouts in 193 1/3 innings, and gaining third place in the AL Cy Young voting, gave stability to the team's starting pitching.

Meanwhile Chad Green, whose performances have led some to liken him to the great Mariano Rivera, and Jordan Montgomery, showed their class on the biggest stage.

Along with the likes of Tommy Kahnle, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, David Robertson and closer Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees have the luxury of being able to get less than five innings from a starter before turning things over to dominant relief pitching.

Indeed, if the Yankees are to come undone in 2018, it'll be as a result of the starters giving away too many headstarts. Last year, the starting rotation improved after the All-Star break with flashes of brilliance from an ageing C.C. Sabathia, who has started 2018 magnificently. Manager Aaron Boone will hope the veteran can remain injury free to avoid Severino being forced to carry the pitching staff.

Another question this year is how new manager Boone will cope with the pressures of leading the New York Yankees. He has zero experience, having gone from playing to television and now to coaching. But the power structure within the organisation will see game strategy formed by committee ahead of time, meaning Boone's strengths in building player relationships and guiding the youngsters will go a long way to deciding where the Yankees of 2018 end up when the World Series rings are handed out.

Why the Yankees Will Make the 2018 World Series to MLB Baseball Blog

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