MLB: Players World Series contenders can’t afford to lose

New York Yankees – Aaron Judge

The Yankees have looked far from World Series contenders the past couple weeks, but they’re still in decent shape for the Wild Card and their +112 run differential (third best in baseball) reminds you just how explosive they could be over the first two and a half months of the season.

The Bronx Bombers’ recent swoon has coincided with a flurry of injuries that has had the club reaching into its farm system nearly every day this week. The one man they will thank their lucky stars is not on the injury report – and they’ll pray it stays that way – requires little introduction: Aaron Judge.

The 25-year-old looks like a legitimate threat to become the first player since Ichiro Suzuki (and third ever) to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Judge has been an absolute monster at the plate, slashing .326/.449/.689 with a majors-leading 27 home runs and AL-leading 62 RBI. He’s far from a one-dimensional power threat as well, leading MLB with 58 walks and 70 runs scored.

The Yanks will have to get their rotation and bullpen back on track to return to their winning ways, but when everything’s clicking for them they appear as formidable as any team in the league. If they are to make more noise in the second half and reach the playoffs, Judge will need to keep working his magic.

Next: Bullpen Swiss Army Knife