The hot start of the New York Yankees this year has many asking the question: Will we see another historic season similar to that of 1998 or 2001?
To the surprise of many in baseball, the New York Yankees’ rebuilding process is coming along faster than expected. With several trades that brought a slew of young talent to New York and the signing of instrumental veterans, the Yankees’ roster is predicted to be strong for years to come.
While fans in the Bronx look toward the future and their team’s potential, some recall the accomplishments of baseball’s winningest teams and wonder if these Yankees are capable of the same.
This Season, Thus Far
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As of Tuesday, the Yankees own a spectacular 21-10 record that places them a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles for first in the AL East. They have yet to lose more than three games in a row while putting together three winning streaks of four or more games.
Fueling their success is a strong and youthful offense. As a team, the Yankees are fourth in the majors in batting average (.273) and lead the American League in homers (52) and runs (180).
Joining the Yankees in 2016, Starlin Castro is following an impressive season with another this year. Thus far, his .354 batting average is sixth in baseball and he leads the American League with 45 hits.
Also making an appearance on the major league leaderboards,
Aaron Judgeis breaking out for what could be a Rookie of the Year season. While batting .317, he is tied for the most home runs in baseball with 13.
The largest question mark heading into the season was the rotation, but so far they have exceeded their modest expectations. Led by Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, the rotation owns a 4.14 ERA that ranks 15th in the major leagues.
However, despite trading away valuable bullpen pieces Andrew Miller last season, the Yankees brag a 2.39 reliever ERA, the third lowest in the major leagues.
Baseball’s Winningest Teams
Now that you are know enough, or possibly too much, about the Yankees this season, how does their record compare to those of the winningest teams in baseball history?
As it turns out, the Yankees are still 10 games behind the 1998 Yankees the 2001 Seattle Mariners.
Despite starting the year on a three-game losing streak, the 1998 Yankees won their way to a record-setting 114-48 regular season mark. With a star-studded roster led by Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre, the Yankees finished their record-breaking season with a World Series championship.
Although they broke the 1998 Yankees’ record by going 116-46 in 2001, the Mariners left the postseason empty-handed. Despite a phenomenal roster featuring the Rookie of the Year and MVP Ichiro Suzuki, and the leadership of manager Lou Piniella, the Mariners lost in the ALCS to the Yankees.
While the 2017 team share a similar reliance on their youth for success, the 1998 Yankees and 2001 Mariners won 31 games by the time they lost 10. To catch up with baseball’s winningest teams, the Yankees need to win the next 10 games in a row – sweeping the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays.
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If they are unsuccessful, the Yankees can work their way to match the Mariners’ 31-11 record or the 1998 Yankees’ 35-11 standing at 11 losses. Regardless, an impressive regular season feat such as this would make even the most diehard Red Sox fan give a quiet applause.