Yanks set sights on proving that 'we're the best team in baseball'

NEW YORK -- The 162-game gauntlet is complete for the Yankees, and for a franchise that still trumpets the “championship or bust” mindset that George M. Steinbrenner and Derek Jeter broadcast throughout their most recent dynasty, that means the real season is about to begin.

On a soggy and slick afternoon that bled into the evening, Alex Verdugo delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning as the Yankees put the finishing touches on their 94-win campaign with a 6-4 victory over the Pirates on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” Verdugo said. “Everybody is really confident with each other and with themselves. We know what we can do as a team. We understand the job at hand and what we have to do for the playoffs, so it’s going to be fun.”

Owning the AL’s best record, the Yankees will now look ahead to the American League Division Series, awaiting the winner of the Orioles-Royals AL Wild Card Series. The ALDS is set to begin on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

“I think we match up great with everybody,” said right-hander Clarke Schmidt. “Obviously, we’re very talented, top to bottom. I personally think we’re the best team in baseball. I think we’re going to set out to try to prove that this postseason.”

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While Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are assured of starts in the ALDS, the identity of the club’s third starter has yet to be determined. That made Sunday’s contest meaningful for Schmidt, who is vying with Luis Gil for that opportunity.

One day after Gil stumbled in allowing a career-high four homers, Schmidt permitted four runs and three hits in four-plus innings, walking four while striking out five. Sidelined for three months by a right lat strain, Schmidt finished with a 2.85 ERA across 16 starts.

“It’s a good decision we have in front of us, because both guys are very capable,” manager Aaron Boone said. “We’ll hash it out and talk through it and try to do what’s best for the club.”

Schmidt said that “it doesn’t matter” to him if he will start or relieve in the playoffs.

“I’m trying to win a World Series,” he said. “Whatever it takes.”

As rain continued to spit in the early afternoon hours, players on both teams were unsure if the game could be played. A contingency plan was even discussed that could have kept the Pirates in New York overnight.

“That was probably the first time I started to go out to warm up for a game and the opposing pitcher is coming up to me in the outfield wondering what we’re doing,” Schmidt said. “It was really tough out there. At times you couldn’t really find the rubber from all the dirt that was covering the mound, and the cleats weren’t gripping.

“ … It was obviously brutal conditions, but I didn’t have great execution regardless. I didn’t put myself in a good spot, but I’m very surprised we kind of grinded that one out.”

The wet grounds prompted Boone to scratch Aaron Judge from the lineup. Watching from the bench, the captain concluded his candidacy for the AL’s Most Valuable Player Award with a .322/.458/.701 slash line in 158 games.

Judge led the Majors in homers (58), RBIs (144), on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS (1.159) and walks (133). Additionally, Judge paced the AL in extra-base hits (95) and total bases (392).

“There will be plenty of work to do this week,” Boone said. “He’ll get plenty of reps in. I thought it was the right thing to do.”

Judge’s replacement in the lineup, Trent Grisham, homered and drove in three runs in the victory. Boone said that Grisham’s performance prompted assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler to joke: “It’s nice to have a real two-hole hitter.”

“He can impact the baseball, and he had a good day today,” Boone said of Grisham.

Clay Holmes worked the ninth inning for his 30th save, becoming the first Yankee to reach the plateau since Aroldis Chapman in 2021. Holmes, who has blown 13 save opportunities this season, was moved out of the closer’s role earlier this month.

The Yankees will have five days off before the ALDS begins, presenting a challenge for players to remain sharp. At least two full team workout days will be held at Yankee Stadium, while Boone said other hours would be filled with simulated batter vs. pitcher matchups.

“It’s kind of like another All-Star break,” Verdugo said. “I think we’re just going to have to do a good job on Tuesday and the next couple of days before the ALDS, making sure our workouts are keeping the same energy and having some intensity to it.”