New York Yankees on pace to tie major league record

The New York Yankees did not exactly explode out of the gates. They were just 5-5 after their first ten games and hardly appeared to be world beaters. Questions surrounding their offseason moves and a perceived lack of aggressiveness by the front office were starting to get louder.

This is why the season lasts for 162 games instead of ten. Even after a pair of losses to the Pirates, they still easily have the best record in baseball at 58-23. The Yankees may as well start printing those playoff tickets now.

New York Yankees chasing major league history

The Yankees are not just chasing a playoff berth. They are currently on pace for exactly 116 wins, which would tie the major league record. The Cubs won 116 games back in 1906, doing so in 155 games. That mark was matched by the 2001 Mariners, whose playoff run was ended by the Yankees that season.

It is entirely possible that the Yankees challenge that record. They built their offseason around defense and run prevention, something that has worked better than anyone could have imagined. As their bullpen begins to get healthy once more and they add pieces at the trade deadline, that quest could get easier.

While that place in history would be a nice footnote to the season, it is not the goal. Having the most wins in major league history does not mean anything as the Yankees are looking for their first championship since 2009. Their success this season will not be measured by wins and losses, but by how far they advance in the postseason.

Those 116 wins are clearly not a precursor to a championship. While the Cubs won their first title that year, the Mariners infamously fell short. That is a fate that the Yankees are looking to avoid.

The New York Yankees are on pace to tie the major league record for wins in a season. However, a championship is far more important.