Lifted by MVP candidate Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) after defeating the Kansas City Royals 3-1 in Game 4 of the ALDS. This marks the Yankees’ second appearance in the ALCS in three years.
Following the victory, the team celebrated in style at Kauffman Stadium, with champagne popping in the dugout. Yankees stars Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. led a chant of “MVP” for Judge. Despite Judge’s struggles this postseason, where he has been batting .154, he contributed to the series-clinching win with a hit, a run, and two walks. His postseason difficulties have not negatively impacted the team, as his contributions were vital to their success during the regular season.
The Yankees closed out the series by winning three games to the Royals’ one and now await the winner of the Cleveland Guardians-Detroit Tigers matchup for a chance to compete for the American League pennant.
Aaron Judge is coming off another historic season. In 2024, he recorded 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and led the majors with 133 walks. His slash line of .322/.458/.701 and his OPS of 1.159 were also MLB bests. This season follows his record-breaking 2022 campaign, where he hit 62 home runs, the most by an American League player. Judge has now been an All-Star for four consecutive seasons and has consistently ranked among MVP candidates, winning the award in 2022 over Shohei Ohtani.
Though Judge has struggled in the postseason, his ability to make a quick impact makes him a key player for the Yankees as they move deeper into the playoffs.
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