The New York Yankees, who have struggled to a 18-19 record since June 1, are still considered the favorites to win the American League, according to sportsbooks. This optimism persists despite a trend of midsummer slumps that has impacted the team in recent seasons.
DraftKings Director of Sports Operations Johnny Avello stated that the Yankees possess one of the better teams in baseball, leading to their current odds. They are listed at +230 to win the American League and have the second-best odds to win the World Series at +550, trailing only the Dodgers.
This outlook contrasts with fan sentiment, which may recall previous seasons where similar late-season performance drops affected their playoff outcomes. The Yankees have had a losing record in June and July combined in recent years, going 71-80 during those months since 2023. However, the team has a history of rallying late in the season, securing the American League's best record in the two previous seasons and reaching the World Series in 2024.
Avello suggested that the team's veteran status might contribute to a perceived lack of consistent motivation throughout the long baseball season. "Baseball's such a long season," Avello said. "When you're playing 162 games, how motivated are you to go out every night and play? It's not like they're going out and tanking it. It's just that the motivation doesn't seem like it's there sometimes during the summer."
FanGraphs projects both the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays to win 90 games, with the Yankees having the second-best chance to win the World Series behind the Dodgers. The Rays are currently three games ahead of the Yankees in the standings and hold a 6-3 head-to-head record.
The potential return of star player Aaron Judge is considered a significant factor. Avello indicated that the Yankees' odds would change considerably at DraftKings if Judge does not return to the lineup. For now, sportsbooks remain optimistic that the team can improve its performance after the All-Star break, with the expectation that they can "change that" and capitalize on their potential in the second half of the season.