The Bronx Bombers or the Bronx Armory?

The New York Yankees are off to an 8-2 start and have the best record in the American League. Considering their pedigree and payroll, this is certainly no shock, but the way they are doing it is a bit surprising. The Bronx Bombers have been doing it with their arms more than their bats. So far the pitching staff for the Yanks has been one of the best in baseball. If the men in the navy pinstripes are going to hoist a 28th World Series trophy this fall, we know Aaron Judge and company will play a vital role. However, currently, the men on the mound are doing the heaviest lifting. Should we call this the Bronx Armory?

The Forgotten Ace

Max Fried, in this writer’s view, unfairly gets overlooked when discussing MLB’s top starting pitchers. Look at the back of his baseball card if you don’t believe me. He is proving that again this season for the Yankees. In his first three starts, this lefty is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and a .750 WHIP. That goes along with a .8 WAR in just three starts. If you project that over for a full season, here is your AL Cy Young winner for 2026. When you factor in that Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are both out for a decent amount of time, Fried is the lead assault weapon in the Bronx Armory.

You Stepped in Some Schlitt

Right now Cam Schlittler is Robin to Max Fried’s Batman for the New York Yankees. We all remember his rookies-can’t-do-this performance in the 2025 playoffs against Boston in an elimination game. This big righty has continued that dominance into the 2026 season. In three starts, he has punched 22 tickets with a combined zero walks and home runs allowed. That adds up to league-bests FIP (.51) and WHIP (.48). MLB hitters are still trying to figure out the book on this Massachusetts native, but he hasn’t revealed any chapters yet. Once the other rotation mainstays are back on the hill, this guy slots in nicely as another bazooka in the Bronx Armory.

An Experienced Pen

Many MLB bullpens are replete with young and inexperienced fireballers. The New York Yankees’ relievers are on the other end of the age seesaw. In fact, the Yanks only have one relief pitcher below the age of 30. However, the old heads have been holding down the fort in the Bronx so far. David Bednar is leading the AL in saves (5), and Brent Headrick and Tim Hill haven’t allowed any runs in 12 combined appearances. This all adds up to the best team ERA in the American League (2.42). Through about two weeks, the reinforcements in the Bronx Armory have also been pretty lethal, even though it was one of the Yankees biggest concerns coming into 2026.

Will This Last?

It is a very long and arduous baseball season. So, more likely than not, the New York Yankees’ pitching staff will not be this elite all the time for six months, especially with an aging bullpen. Yet, their starting staff will get two shots of adrenaline in the not-too-distant future to buttress two lights-out starters. That should be very formidable and sustainable in the American League East and give the Bronx Bombers a just-as-potent Bronx Armory for the battles ahead.