As the MLB season draws closer, with many free agents still seeking teams for the 2024 season, the New York Yankees are gearing up for their Spring Training sessions, with pitchers and catchers slated to report to Tampa on February 14. Expectations are high for the Yankees, with Baseball Prospectus releasing its annual PECOTA projections, forecasting win-loss records and division standings.
According to the PECOTA projections, the Yankees are anticipated to have a significant rebound from their previous season, with an estimated 94.4 wins and 67.6 losses. This would position them as the frontrunners in the American League East, closely trailed by the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox, respectively.
Such a resurgence would mark a notable turnaround for the Yankees, who experienced a dip in performance last season, finishing fourth in the division with an 82-80 record. A projected improvement of 12 wins underscores the potential strength of their roster, placing them in contention with the Houston Astros for the most wins in the American League.
The Yankees’ offseason acquisitions, particularly the trade for outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres, have garnered considerable attention. Soto’s addition is expected to have a significant impact, with the 25-year-old emerging as a top contender for the American League MVP title.
While PECOTA favors the Yankees’ playoff prospects, other projection systems, such as FanGraphs’ ZiPS, present differing outlooks. Nevertheless, there is a consensus among these projections that the Yankees are poised for a stronger performance in the upcoming season compared to their previous campaign, reflecting optimism among fans and analysts alike.
