Imagine picking who you face in the playoffs.
It was a possibility for MLB in the COVID-altered 2020 postseason before being thrown around again (but not adopted as part of a new playoff format) ahead of the new CBA being finalized in 2022.
The reality is that for the Yankees to get to where they want to go, they’ll have to face at least two, if not three, of the Astros, Orioles, Guardians, Royals and Twins (or perhaps even the Tigers, Mariners or Red Sox if the Twins’ tailspin continues). It will likely only be two if they are able to clinch the AL East, though that is still very much up for grabs as they play out the final 15 games of the season.
But if the Yankees could choose, who would they match up best against? At this point in the season, we know they have generally had trouble against left-handed starters (though they have gotten somewhat better at that of late) and controlling speedy teams on the bases. There’s also some head-to-head history to take into consideration, though that does not always mean much in October.
