“Yankees have an easy road to the World Series,” says Alex Rodriguez, echoing optimism as the New York Yankees gear up for their first trip to the Fall Classic in 15 years. The last time the Yankees graced the World Series stage, it was 2009, with Rodriguez and Derek Jeter commanding the infield on a superteam that clinched the franchise’s 27th title.
Now, both legends have reunited as analysts for FOX Sports, and they are confident about New York’s chances as they prepare to face the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 American League Championship Series (ALCS) starting Monday.
“You never want to say you have an easy road to the World Series, but if the Yankees could pick and choose their [playoff] opponents,” Jeter remarked during FOX Sports’ postgame show following Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). “I think they got the two that they would pick because of their success against the AL Central.”
Indeed, the Yankees have shown solid performance against the Guardians, finishing the regular season with a 4-2 record against them. Their success continued as they dispatched the Kansas City Royals in the AL Division Series (ALDS), winning four straight games after a 5-2 regular season record against them.
Since their last championship in 2009, the Yankees have reached the ALCS four times but have faced disappointment each time—losing to the Detroit Tigers once and the Houston Astros three times. However, Rodriguez remains hopeful about this year’s prospects.
“You don’t have to say it, I’ll say it — the Yankees have an easy road to the World Series,” Rodriguez stated. “It’s never easy, but this is the clearest path in 20 years.”
The Yankees closed out the regular season with the American League’s best record at 94-68, while the Guardians trailed closely with a record of 92-70.
Cleveland features a pitching staff that often flies under the radar, led by standout closer Emmanuel Clase. Their lineup, highlighted by perennial All-Star José Ramírez, has proven formidable, as evidenced by their recent five-game triumph over the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.
