The beginning of the 2024 MLB season was great for the Yankees. The team was on top of the AL East Leaderboard, having a winning percentage close to .600. However, during the mid-season, they lost momentum, and were defeated in the series against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees also struggled against the Tampa Bay Rays, and eventually, the Bronx Bombers slipped to the second position, behind the Orioles. This has left Yankees legend Derek Jeter with genuine concerns. 

While the Yankees won a much-needed series against the Orioles, they could have easily swept the series. Moreover, they might have come closer to the top position in the first AL East. In the last game, the team lost 6-5, a blunder from Alex Verdugo that cost them the game. As the 2024 World Series approaches, former Bronx captain Derek Jeter was caught sharing insights on his top season contenders. 

Derek Jeter notes his thoughts on the 2024 World Series contenders

The World Series is nearing, and the stakes are high for every team. Amid the speculations and circling opinions on the top contenders, Jeter noted his take at Fox Sports MLB. “I think, as it sits now, the Philadelphia Phillies are the best team in baseball in my opinion. I think the Phillies are going to the World Series,” he claimed. Undoubtedly, the Phillies are playing one of their best games at the moment. Despite their star asset Bryce Harper facing injuries, the team is at the top of the table.

They have an impressive (62-34) record with a high .646 winning percentage in the NL East. On top of that, Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner have backed this much-needed surge, holding the team’s offense and that too in the absence of Harper. 

Speaking about the other contender for the World Series, Jeter said, “I think they [Philadelphia Phillies] are going to be facing the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. And the reason why I say this is because the Orioles minor league system is stacked, and they’re the team that’s in the best position at the trade deadline.” Indeed, they were the leaders of the AL East when the season’s first half ended. According to Jeter, the Orioles are packed with players. Therefore, if they could trade some of their players, it could further improve their team’s performance. 

Especially in June and July, the team has traded and brought in several players. Among the strong prospects, Kansas City Royals players Colin Selby, Burch Smith, and Vinny Nitolli were the ones O’s bought in the trade window. Still, as much as the MLB is going smoothly for the Orioles and Phillies, the Yankees seem to have had mixed performances at the end of the first half; while some are good, some are concerning, especially their defense struggles. 

A glance at the New York Yankees’ first-half report card

The Bronx Bombers ended their first half with a record of 58-40. They failed to finish on top of the leaderboard, despite their recent win over the Orioles. While a lot has gone wrong with the Yankees over a month and so, when the team is in form, they are probably the best in the league. Especially considering their five World Series wins in legend Jeter’s era. 

Currently, the team has superstars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who can whack home runs every second night. Also, one of the best pitchers, Gerrit Cole, is in their ranks and recently cleared the century mark. He tossed 106 pitches and made an impressive 76 strikeouts. Moreover, Clay Holmes is among the best closers going on in MLB. In the 2024 season, he has an ERA of 2.77, 41 strikeouts, and a WHIP of an impressive 1.31. 

The shortstop Anthony Volpe, is often compared with Derek Jeter, and when in form, he can be a challenge for any striker running bases. Hence, the Yankees’ failure to secure the first position shows concerning signs. Moreover, it marked their need for assistance in the defense department, with Alex Verdugo’s blunder affecting their game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park. Adding to this defense agony, first baseman Anthony Rizzo was noted to be on a 60-Days IL.

The Bronx Bombers will next face the Tampa Bay Rays on 20th July. This time, with the high stakes, they might have to bring their ‘A’ game to give themselves a chance to be at the World Series. What do you make of the Yankees not getting the first position? Share in the comments.