The New York Yankees are set to begin another exciting season in the Bronx this year, and advanced projection systems are forecasting a highly successful year for the Bombers.
FanGraphs recently unveiled their 2021 postseason projections and not only do the Yankees have the best odds to win the American League, they’ve got nearly triple the percentage points of the next-closest team (Houston, 6.5 percent).
According to FanGraphs projections (which are subject to change in accordance with roster alterations), the Yankees project to win 96 games with a 91.8 percent chance to make the postseason, and 18.3 percent chance to win it all.
Only the Dodgers have a higher probability to capture this year’s World Series at 19.8 percent, with the Padres (12.0%), Mets (10.2%) and Astros (6.5%) rounding out the top five.
FanGraphs MLB World Series win probability:
Dodgers – 19.8%
Yankees – 18.3%
Padres – 12.0%
Mets – 10.2%
Astros – 6.5%
Braves – 6.0%
Twins – 5.8%
White Sox – 4.9%
Blue Jays – 3.7%
Red Sox – 2.9%
Angels – 2.0%
Cardinals – 1.2%
Brewers – 1.3%
Athletics – 1.0%
Nationals – 0.9%
Rays – 0.8%
Cubs – 0.6%
Indians – 0.5%
Reds – 0.5%
Phillies – 0.3%
Royals – 0.2%
Giants – 0.1%
Mariners – 0.0%
Diamondbacks – 0.0%
Rangers – 0.0%
Tigers – 0.0%
Marlins – 0.0%
Pirates – 0.0%
Rockies – 0.0%
Orioles – 0.0%
There are plenty of reasons for Yankees fans to be excited about this year’s squad, and with the AL being as winnable as it’s been in some time, the Bombers’ best chance to capture title No. 28 could be on the horizon.
Another projection system, PECOTA by Baseball Prospectus, also pegged the Yankees as the strongest team in the AL entering 2021, thanks in part to the return of the team’s prolific offense and a high-upside group of arms making up the pitching staff.
Perhaps the biggest question the Yankees will look to answer coming out of Spring Training this year is which pitcher will seize the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation?
Gerrit Cole is a lock atop the staff, followed by newcomers Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon with lone lefty Jordan Montgomery likely comprising the top four spots (in some order). However, the list of candidates for that remaining vacancy is long and intriguing, including youngsters Deivi Garcia, Clarke Schmidt and Michael King, seasoned right-handers Jonathan Loaisiga and Domingo German, as well as rising young prospect Luis Medina.
The Yankees will also work Luis Severino back into the mix once he returns from his Tommy John surgery, adding yet another dynamic arm to the equation in a few months.
As the 2021 season quickly approaches, the Bombers will be poised for another deep run into October led by their mighty offense as they look to add another World Series trophy to the team’s mantle.
For all the latest Yankees news and notes, be sure to follow YES Network all season long as they kick off their Chase for 28 in the Bronx.