Evaluating Yankees’ Postseason Odds Movement Following Trade Deadline Moves
The New York Yankees are no longer among the betting favorites to win the 2021 World Series.
But, a few strong acquisitions before the July 30 MLB trade deadline did improve the Bronx Bombers’ chances in the eyes of New Jersey sportsbooks.
Here’s a look at pre- and post-trade deadline odds (as of Aug. 5) for the Yankees at BetMGM Sportsbook:
- World Series: +2500 to +1700
- AL Pennant: +1400 to +900
- AL East: +1300 to +750
New York (58-49) is currently in third place in the American League East division. They trail the Tampa Bay Rays (65-44) and Boston Red Sox (64-45). The records are through Wednesday night’s action.
As of Thursday, the Yanks are on the outside looking in for this year’s postseason. The Yanks are two games behind the Oakland Athletics (61-48) for the second AL Wild Card spot.
Not how the Yankees planned it
The 2021 season began with high expectations for the Yankees.
NJ sportsbooks favored the Bombers to represent the American League in this year’s Fall Classic. The Yankees opened the season with the second-best odds of winning the World Series. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champs, had shorter odds ( +350 at BetMGM).
However, an underwhelming first half of the season forced New York to become major buyers at the trade deadline. Bereft of left-handed hitting and desperate for pitching, the Yankees front office went to work.
The Yankees dealt a handful of prospects for first baseman Anthony Rizzo (Chicago Cubs), right fielder Joey Gallo (Texas Rangers), and starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (Los Angeles Angels).
Did the moves pay off?
Early returns have been mixed.
Rizzo, 31, hit a home run in his first game with New York. In six games wearing pinstripes, Rizzo is hitting .400 with three homers and six RBI.
Gallo, 27, has struggled at the plate in six games with the NYY. He has just two hits in 23 at-bats.
Meanwhile, Heaney had a rough first outing with his new club. The 30-year-old lefty got shelled by the Baltimore Orioles (38-69) on Monday night. In four innings of work, Heaney gave up four dingers and six hits while striking out four.
The Yankees are still fighting for a playoff birth.
Over the last 10 games, the Yankees are 7-3. They have won five of their last six games, with the only loss being Heaney’s start.
The Yankees start a four-game series tonight in The Bronx against the Seattle Mariners (58-51).
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