NEW YORK — This past weekend, each Yankees loss echoed with an even greater silence in their clubhouse. Entering a four-game series against Boston with a 1.5-game lead in the American League wild card race, New York struggled, losing three consecutive games, only managing to secure a victory on Sunday night.
“I’m definitely angry,” stated Aaron Judge after Saturday’s 12-1 defeat. “Especially against rivals. You don’t want to perform like this at home.”
The Yankees have faltered against stronger teams, predominantly defeating weaker opponents. Since June, their only series win against a playoff-contending team has been against the Mariners. They are currently 35-35 against teams with winning records and 17-22 within their own division in 2025. They even faced a streak of eight consecutive losses against the Red Sox.
“It’s not acceptable,” added Giancarlo Stanton. “We know Boston is skilled, and so are we. However, execution matters, especially in these pivotal games, and we haven’t done that.”
Underlying Issues and Poor Performance
Despite possessing a talented roster, the Red Sox have surprised many by sitting ahead of the Yankees in the standings. New York’s careless baserunning and defensive mistakes have marred their performance, a trend visible throughout this summer. For instance, during Thursday’s game, Boston did not record a single hit yet managed to score due to three errors from the Yankees.
“It was just an unclean game for us,” noted manager Aaron Boone. The problems might be rooted in the team’s rigid philosophy, seemingly prioritizing data over fundamentals, a common issue seen in many clubs, including the Red Sox.
The Shift in Focus
The Yankees are increasingly leaning on metrics, often neglecting the importance of instinctive play. A National League scout expressed disbelief after observing their Double-A team, noting a disproportionate focus on velocity and hard hitting at the expense of fundamentals. While bat speed is crucial, success hinges on timing and well-executed swing plans.
The Yankees boast the highest home run count in baseball but succumb to the pressure of higher-stakes games. Their 1-0 loss to Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello exemplified this, as they struggled to connect despite forcing him to throw numerous pitches.
Confidence and Leadership Challenges
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has faced criticism for routine mistakes. However, a recent moment showcased a potential concern: although he made an out in the first inning, he fielded the ball on one knee, suggesting a lack of confidence. The Yankees have relied on him consistently, which may not be beneficial as his performance metrics indicate struggles.
This raises questions about the Yankees’ handling of Volpe and the pressure of needing to succeed. In contrast, Red Sox manager Alex Cora effectively cultivates confidence and adapts his strategies, placing pressure on Boone for similar adaptability with his players.
Future Outlook
As the Yankees head into a challenging September against standout teams like the Astros and Blue Jays, the potential for a strong finish exists. However, their recent performances suggest they are only dominating against inferior teams, with the true tests yet to come.
