Key stat shows why Yankees are the team to beat in the AL

A quick look at the standings would show that the New York Yankees are in a tight battle with the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League East crown. The reality is that the race is not that close.

The Yankees lead the AL in run differential, having scored an impressive 113 runs more than their competition. Only two other teams — the Rays at +13 and the Mariners at +4 — have a positive run differential. 

Given that the Yankees have such a wide margin over the Rays, they could easily skew those numbers. The Yankees have played five games against the Rays thus far and three of their six games against the Mariners.

Yankees' dominance in AL goes beyond runs scored

The Yankees lineup has been the best in the AL entering Thursday, leading the league in runs scored (400), home runs (119), steals (89), slugging percentage (.437), OPS (.766) and total fWAR (15.8). This production has continued even with outfielder Aaron Judge on the injured list.

While the lineup has performed well, the Yankees pitching as been as impressive. The Yankees pitching staff leads the AL in ERA (3.34), WHIP (1.18) and fWAR (11.9). That combination has made New York a formidable foe thus far.

That does not mean that the Yankees don't have holes to fill. The catching position has been a sore spot, posting a combined .181/.267/.270 batting line, with only the White Sox having worst production in all three categories. The Yankees bench and bullpen could also be areas that they look to improve ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

The New York Yankees have been a juggernaut thus far in 2026. They are showing no signs of stopping.