2 key factors are in the Yankees' favor to make a 2024 World Series run

Since 2017, the New York Yankees have made it to the ALCS three times and have fallen short to the Houston Astros in each matchup. In the 2021, 2020 and 2018 seasons, the team failed to advance past the ALDS or Wild Card round.

They've looked strong at this point in past seasons, and this year is no different. So what will be different about 2024? Hopefully starting pitching and a healthy starting lineup will do the trick.

The team has six solid starters for October, led by Gerrit Cole, the reigning Cy Young winner. Despite doubts this season, he'll dominate come playoff time. Getting the ball in game two will be Luis Gil, who has looked like a top-five pitcher in baseball at some points this season. 

The big question is Game 3, likely between Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt. Gil, Schmidt and Rodón are the Yankees' top postseason options. Adding Nestor Cortes and Marcus Stroman to the mix in the bullpen will give the Yankees viable length throughout October.

The Yankees have what it takes to win their first World Series since 2009, but they need players to perform to their full potential. That starts with naming Luke Weaver the permanent closer. Weaver earned his first two career saves and recorded a 2.06 ERA with a 1-0 record over his last seven games.

Weaver’s been flat-out better than Clay Holmes this year, posting a 0.95 WHIP, with a 3.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio, so the Yankees shouldn't even think about bringing cardiac Clay back into the closer role.

The Yankees offense needs to step up in the 2024 MLB postseason

The expectation this season was that the Yankees could make a deep postseason run if their hitters beyond Juan Soto and Aaron Judge stepped up. Torres has been consistent, batting .326 over 43 games since securing the leadoff spot. He has a hit in 15 of his last 16 games, and with manager Aaron Boone's high praise for the second baseman, he’s unlikely to be moved from the leadoff spot anytime soon. But that should perhaps change.

There's an argument to be had Jazz Chisholm Jr. is underutilized, often hitting fifth or sixth. Given his speed and athleticism, he would be more effective as a leadoff hitter. Jazz has too much potential to be batting behind Giancarlo Stanton. Getting on base ahead of Soto and Judge could greatly boost the team's run production in October.

Additionally, if Boone wants to see star prospect Jasson Domínguez succeed, he must play him consistently. Domínguez has played in five games since his promotions and will struggle if he's getting staggered days off. Fans are frustrated with Verdugo’s frequent groundouts to the right side. While Verdugo has been solid in left field, his limited playtime might be acceptable, but Domínguez’s potential won’t be realized until he's seeing consistent everyday action.

With a solid postseason bench including Verdugo, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jose Trevino, and speedster Jon Berti, this team is well-rounded. This is the first time the Yankees have reputable depth (at least compared to other contenders) heading into the playoffs.

With a strong rotation and good health — two things that haven't been on their side since 2011 — this could be their best shot since 2009 if they press the right buttons.