3 Major X-Factors For the Yankees vs. the Dodgers

As we head towards Game 1 of the 2024 World Series on Friday, it’s time to take a deep dive into this monumental series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. When analyzing the Yankees specifically, this team has demonstrated several ways to win. New York utilizes its depth as well as anyone, and this upcoming series should be no different. Let’s look at three potential X-Factors for the Bronx Bombers as they try to beat the Bronx Bombers.

Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton turned back the clock and gave the Yankees some major thump versus the Guardians. Winning the ALCS Award, Stanton was sensational — spraying the ball to all parts of the park. His scintillating series included a handful of extra-base hits as well as a timely homer in the series-clinching game.

Stanton provides Aaron Judge with protection in the lineup. If Stanton is hitting the ball with rhythm, it makes the Yankees immensely difficult to pitch to. If he’s chasing pitches out of the strike zone, the team looks far different. He’ll have to be a very patient hitter in the World Series — especially versus the parade of relievers he’ll likely be facing.

Clay Holmes

Yankees fans have had a major love-hate relationship with the reliever. With Luke Weaver emerging as the team’s closer, Holmes has taken more of a backseat as a high-leverage set-up man. During postseason play, Holmes has pitched decently well with a 3.52 ERA in 7.2 IP.

Against a lethal Dodgers lineup, the Yankees need that bridge from other relievers to Weaver. Holmes has to be consistent with his strike-throwing. The Dodgers are too good a ballclub, and if Holmes leaves a cookie in the middle of the plate, LA will make him pay for it.

Gerrit Cole

It might seem funny to include Cole as an X-Factor. But in all actuality, he might be the most important player for either team in this series. Being New York’s ace, there’s a real shot he pitches in Games 1, 4, and 7. His postseason play has been uncharacteristically uneven. Cole hasn’t been striking out guys at the same rate he normally does.

With that said, he has the upside of being the best-starting pitcher in this series. A dominant Cole can go a long way towards the Yankees winning the whole thing. Even if he provides the Yankees with quality starts, the offense is good enough to put up enough runs to capitalize on an elite Cole outing.