The New York Yankees are set for a divisional ALDS matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the wild card round.
After reaching the World Series in 2024, the Yankees enter this year’s postseason with several new faces, including trade acquisitions Cody Bellinger and Ryan McMahon. Bellinger has spent the entire season in New York and he has been an incredibly productive player, earning an All-Star selection in the first half for his elite power, speed and defense. Over 152 games in the regular season, the 30-year-old veteran posted a .272 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, .813 OPS, 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases.
McMahon arrived at the trade deadline and while he has not been an impact bat, his ability to sub in at third base and provide elite defense has been a huge plus for the Yankees, who have struggled at times defensively.
During Game 3’s win over the Red Sox, McMahon made a spectacular play in foul territory in the top of the eighth inning, reaching over the railing and falling into the dugout to record the second out. On Friday, a day after moving on to the ALDS, McMahon provided an encouraging update that he is feeling fine and would be available for Game 1 despite the rough landing, according to Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports.
As for Bellinger, after hitting a double in the bottom of the fourth inning of Game 3, he jammed his heel on the bases while legging out the extra-base hit. Fortunately for the Yankees, manager Aaron Boone revealed that Bellinger is good to go for Saturday despite the setback.
