As Gleyber Torres flies out to Boston Red Sox right fielder Hunter Renfroe, the Yankees Postseason/Season fades away. The Yankees had an extremely interesting season. From second place in the American League East to fourth place, the Yankees always found a way to hang in there.
In this year’s season, the Bronx Bombers pitched and hit fairly well. Although, there were many times that both the pitching and hitting were horrific; for example when they were swept by the Detroit Tigers back in May.
Similar to most years, the Yankees’ injuries played a big part in their struggles. From DJ LeMahieu to Gary Sanchez the Bombers always had a hole in their lineup. Although the injuries piled on, there were many guys who stepped up and attributed to the needs of the roster. Guys like Kyle Higashioka, Andrew Velazquez, and Greg Allen came up in a big way to assist the injured Yankees.
At times the Yanks were frustrating, but in the end, Yankees fans usually came home happy. Whether it was an Aaron Judge home run or a Gerrit Cole strikeout.
While they only made it to the AL Wild Card, they played well enough over the season in order to be considered one of the better teams. Now, as the Yankees enter the offseason, they have many moves that they need to make.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Season Recaps.
Key Info
Manager: Aaron Boone
Record: 92-70
Position: Third in the AL East
Postseason: Lost in AL Wild Card
Overall Performance
It was extremely saddening to see how the Yankees ended their 2021 MLB season. Prior to the beginning of the season, they were projected to be one of the best teams in baseball. Similar to the past few years, they were overhyped and fell to the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Game.
Although the Yankees came up short in the postseason, they played well throughout the season and put up solid numbers. They smacked a whopping 222 home runs (sixth in American League), but their 711 runs scored were 19th in the majors, and 666 RBI were 23rd. On the pitching side, the Bombers dominated. They held a 3.74 ERA (6), 1569 strikeouts (4), and a 1.21 WHIP. Led by ace Cole and reliever Jonathan Loaisiga, the Yankees were able to put up great numbers on the mound.
It always seems as if the Yankees play at their best at Yankee Stadium. Although, this season was different as the Yankees landed with a record of 46-35 at home and away. While the Bronx is their hometown, we see that the Yankees were able to play just as well on the road.
Award Winners
MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Judge
Judge was the best player for the Yankees this season and reserves his spot for team MVP. He played extremely well and constantly came up in the clutch. He was a gem in the field, and his bat was just ecstatic. Although Judge had a few injury setbacks throughout the season, he was able to adjust and dominate.
In the outfield, he made some spectacular plays and is a contender for Gold Glove. At the end of the season, he had an outstanding .988 fielding percentage along with 246 put-outs. At the plate, Judge showed out to his full potential. He smacked 39 home runs and finished in sixth place in the MLB. He had 98 RBI and finished with a batting average of .287. Not only did Judge come up in the clutch; but he was also extremely consistent and was a hitting machine.
Starting Pitcher of the Year: Gerrit Cole
Many consider Cole as one of the best pitchers in this year’s MLB season. He ripped up the league and put up great numbers which landed him towards the top of most stats. He racked up 243 strikeouts which landed him third in the majors. Similarly, Cole dominated in many other categories: ERA (3.23), win-loss record (16-8), WHIP (1.06), and games pitched (30).
Besides a few rocky starts, Cole was consistent and showed out to his greatest potential as an ace. Now, Cole is in a tight race with Toronto Blue Jay Robbie Ray for this year’s AL Cy Young Award.
Relief Pitcher of the Year: Jonathan Loaisiga
There were many pitchers who could’ve won this award, but Loaisiga is the perfect man for the slot. He put up great numbers and was a great option in the ‘pen for the Bombers.
In recent years, Loaisiga struggled immensely: then, the 2021 season happened. The reliever dominated and finished the season with a 2.17 ERA. He racked up 69 strikeouts along with a 9-4 record.
Loaisiga relied heavily on his 98 MPH sinker and mixed in his changeup, slider, curve, and occasionally a fastball. The twenty-six-year-old is considered to have one of the best sinkers in the game, along with his changeup. Loaisiga’s performance shows why he deserves team reliever of the year.
Comeback Player of the Year: Jameson Taillon
It’s amazing to watch how Taillon can pitch so well after fighting for his life from cancer. He is loved by fans, players, coaches, and teammates for his amazing story. This season, Taillon held a steady 4.30 ERA along with 140 strikeouts and an 8-6 record.
The twenty-nine-year-old has a great future ahead of him, and the Yankees hope he can keep progressing.
What’s Next?
The Yankees have to switch many things around in the offseason. Whether it’s adding more depth, hiring/firing coaches, or re-signing players. The Bombers have great options to look to in this year’s upcoming free agency: shortstop Corey Seager, third baseman Jose Ramirez, or starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Although, the Yankees have made some recent moves by re-hiring Aaron Boone and parting ways with coaches Phil Nevin and Marcus Thames. It seems as Yankee fans are eager to win it all and the offseason is a great place to start that process.
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