Yankees clinch playoff spot, get one step closer to AL East crown

The Yankees are returning to the postseason.

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016 a year ago, the Yankees have clinched a spot in the 2024 MLB postseason after a 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

“Not getting in last year was difficult, tough offseason,” manager Aaron Boone told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits after the game. “We have a long way to go, this is just the first step. One of the goals is to get into the dance and have a chance to chase that prize…hopefully now we can win the division and get that next goal.”

It wasn’t always easy for the Bombers in 2024. After getting off to a blistering start — thanks to a 21-7 record in May — the Yankees turned into a .500 team. they went 14-13 in June before an 11-13 July put the team’s dreams of an AL East crown in jeopardy.

The Yankees would right the ship in August and are playing some of their best baseball in September, winning nine of their last 12 games.

Even with the win and playoff berth, the Yankees’ work is not done this season.

“We’re excited, but we know the job’s not finished we’re hunting this division,” Aaron Judge said. “To get an opportunity to punch our ticket back to the postseason after missing it last season means a lot. We have a special group and the boys are definitely excited but know the mission’s ahead of them.”

The Yankees (89-63) currently sit atop the American League standings as the No. 1 seed, 1.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians. If the Yankees can capture the top seed, they’ll have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Even if they fall to the No. 2 seed, the Yankees will avoid the best-of-three Wild Card round.

They are currently five games up on the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East and after Wednesday’s win, their magic number is now six.

Prior to missing the playoffs in 2023, the Yankees made the American League Championship Series but were swept by the Houston Astros. The Bronx Bombers are still seeking their first World Series appearance, and win, since 2009.