Yankees Magic Number: 2 big milestones remain for New York (Updated Sept. 24)

UPDATE: The Yankees' Magic Number to clinch the AL East is one (1) and the top seed in the American League is three (3). Let's go.

If you read about the Yankees from a New York fan's lens, you would think the team is destined for a 2023 stinker of sorts. Outsiders will look at their 82-61 record and say, "Well, what's wrong with that?" We're happy to tell you!

The Yankees just endured the easiest part of their schedule and gained no ground in the AL East. New York is well below .500 after starting the season 49-21.

In short, they are squandering a golden opportunity to put themselves in a favorable position. They continue to not take the regular season seriously, believing their processes will "come around" and everyone involved will magically hit their stride when October arrives.

The only problem is that the Yankees haven't made considerable noise in the playoffs since 2017. Yes, they've made two ALCS trips since then, but losing a combined 8-2 to the Astros in those 10 games doesn't inspire confidence. They lost in the ALDS twice, the one-and-done Wild Card Game once, and missed the playoffs entirely over that span under Aaron Boone. They got lucky with their 2022 ALDS win, too. As you can see, it's easy for fans not to be confident as they witness the fifth straight summer collapse from this team.

With all that being said, the Yankees somehow still control their destiny in 2024. They have a game in hand over Baltimore, which gives them an advantage. Can't say that makes us feel much better, but we guess we'll take it.

Yankees Magic Number: What will it take for New York to win AL East, clinch playoff spot?

According to PlayoffStatus.com, the Yankees are the only team in the American League that controls their destiny for the division. Their magic number to clinch the AL East is one after Sunday's win in Oakland. They clinched a playoff berth by defeating Seattle last Wednesday night, and clinched homefield advantage in their opening postseason series by the virtue of Gerrit Cole's, Juan Soto's, and Anthony Volpe's heroics. The furthest they can drop is the AL's No. 4 seed (first Wild Card) ... but let's not?

They face the Orioles for a three-game this week. One win gets them where they need to be. Two wins get them closer to the ultimate goal and kicks Baltimore further down.