The American League Division Series opponent of the New York Yankees has been decided. The Bronx Bombers will face the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. On Wednesday, the Royals emerged victorious in the best-of-three series against the Baltimore Orioles. This season, the Yankees and Royals faced off in two series. At Kauffman Stadium in June, the Yankees defeated the Royals three out of four times. The Bronx Bombers won their lone series game despite outscoring their rival 28–12 thanks to a walk-off.
At Yankee Stadium in September, the two teams squared off once more. Before being shut out in Game 2, the Yankees won the opening game 10-4. The series’ final game was then won by the Bronx Bombers thanks to a walk-off single by Juan Soto in the eleventh inning. Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole will start the opening two games of the series, the Yankees said. The squad has not yet decided on a starting player for Game 3 and has not finalized its postseason roster.
During the Wild Card series, the Royals started Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. If needed, Game 3 would be started by Michael Wacha. An official starter for Game 1 of the ALDS has not yet been announced by the team. For the first time since winning the World Series in 2015, the Royals made it further in the playoffs. They defeated the Orioles 1-0 in Game 1 and then defeated them 2-1 in Game 2, needing just three runs to complete the sweep.