It’s crunch time in Major League Baseball, with September 24, 25, and 26 shaping up to be pivotal dates for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. The two teams, locked in a tight race for the American League East crown, will face off in New York during those three critical days.
As of September 6, the AL East standings are razor-thin, with the Orioles holding a slim half-game lead over the Yankees. Baltimore’s record stands at 81-60, while New York trails close behind at 80-60. Both teams boast significant strengths, with few notable weaknesses.
Baltimore Orioles Strengths:
In recent years, the Orioles have cashed in on several tremendous early round draft picks.
After years of losing records, the Orioles have been steadily rebuilding their roster, and the results of their efforts are now shining through. First-round draft picks like Adley Rutschman (2019) and Jackson Holliday (2022) have become key players in the team’s potent lineup. However, the standout of their early-round picks is shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Drafted in the second round in 2019, Henderson, still only 23, has emerged as a cornerstone for the Orioles alongside Rutschman, exemplifying their draft success.
Colton Cowser, the Orioles’ 2021 first-round pick, has taken over as the primary center fielder, displaying significant power as a left-handed hitter. Additionally, the Orioles made a savvy move in the 2016 Rule-5 Draft by selecting outfielder Anthony Santander from Cleveland. Santander is now having a career-best season, consistently delivering home runs and RBIs.
The Orioles have also been active in the trade market. Their most significant trade occurred in February when they dealt pitcher DL Hall and infielder Joey Ortiz to the Milwaukee Brewers for four-time All-Star Corbin Burnes, who has bolstered their starting rotation. At this year’s trade deadline, Baltimore further strengthened their pitching staff by acquiring Zach Eflin from the Rays in exchange for several prospects, without giving up any of their top-tier young talent.
Another key move came in July when the Orioles traded pitcher Trey McGough to the White Sox for outfielder Eloy Jimenez, adding depth to their lineup. Their starting pitching, headlined by Burnes, also includes Cade Povich, Albert Suarez, Dean Kremer, and Eflin.
Despite these improvements, the Orioles’ bullpen remains average and could be a weak spot. They traded outfielders Austin Hays and Christian Pache to the Phillies for reliever Seranthony Dominguez, who has since taken over as their primary closer. However, pitching inconsistencies, especially in the bullpen, mean the Orioles sometimes need to rely on high-scoring games to compensate for shaky outings from their starters or relief pitchers.
New York Yankees Strengths:
The Yankees’ success hinges largely on the powerful offensive duo of outfielders Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Judge, a six-time All-Star, had already smashed 51 home runs and driven in an impressive 123 RBIs before September. Meanwhile, Soto contributed 37 home runs and 96 RBIs by the same point, forming a formidable one-two punch.
Adding to their firepower is Giancarlo Stanton, whose presence creates a trio of powerful sluggers. The late-July acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins, in exchange for infielder/outfielder Abraham Ramirez, catcher/first baseman Augustin Ramirez, and infielder Jared Serna, gave the Yankees a much-needed boost of speed and additional power.
However, the Yankees’ biggest weakness lies in their inconsistency, both on the mound and at the plate. Regulars like Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe, and Alex Verdugo have been hit-or-miss. Volpe had a strong start to the season but has struggled with consistency lately, while Rizzo and Verdugo flash potential but often fade, putting extra pressure on Judge, Soto, and Stanton to carry the offense.
On the mound, ace Gerrit Cole hasn’t been quite as dominant since returning from injury, though he remains a key piece in the rotation. The starting staff also features left-handers Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes, along with right-hander Marcus Stroman, but they have struggled to perform consistently as a unit. Some days, the rotation shines; other days, it falters.
The bullpen, while not exceptional, has been heavily relied upon and faces a tough stretch through September. Clay Holmes continues as the closer, supported by set-up men Jake Cousins and Luke Weaver, though they, too, will be tested as the season progresses.
Remaining September schedule-Orioles
6, 7, 8= Tampa Bay at home
9, 10, 11= at Boston
13,14,15= at Detroit
17,18,19 San Francisco at home
20, 21, 22= Detroit at home
24, 25, 26= AT YANKEES
27, 28, 29= at Minnesota
Remaining September schedule- Yankees
6, 7, 8 at Cubs
9, 10, 11= Kansas City at home
12, 13, 14, 15= Boston at home
17, 18, 19= at Seattle
20, 21, 22= at Oakland
24, 25, 26 ORIOLES at home
27, 28, 29= Pittsburgh at home
And the winner of the American League East? We simply have to wait to see how the month of September plays out for both teams.
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