The New York Yankees now know who they will be facing in the American League Division Series starting this weekend.
After sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in the wild-card round, the Kansas City Royals will travel to The Bronx on Saturday night to kick off the ALDS.
Led by MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals had an impressive series against the Orioles, winning both games on the road.
The Yankees and Royals met seven times during the 2024 season with the former holding a 5-2 record.
While the Royals certainly pose a stiff challenge, the Yankees handled the American League Central division with dominance in 2024. The Yankees were 24-7 against teams in the Central this season.
The Yankees will send ace Gerrit Cole to the mound in Game 1 while the Royals will counter with Michael Wacha.
Cole Ragans is expected to start Game 2 against Carlos Rodon, and neither team has decided on its Game 3 starter yet.
Offensively, the Yankees led the American League in OPS and wRC+ while the Royals ranked 14th and 20th, respectively.
The Royals and Yankees were right next to each other with each pitching staff holding a 3.76 ERA for the season. Kansas City's starting rotation had a 3.55 ERA — the second-best in MLB — while the Yankees ranked 11th.
Meanwhile, the Yankees bullpen had a 3.62 ERA — the sixth-best in MLB — with the Royals' bullpen holding a 4.13 ERA, good for 20th in MLB.
Game 1 of the series is set to begin Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6:38 p.m. ET.
