Yankees clinch playoff spot after missing out a year ago - ESPN

SEATTLE — A year ago, the New York Yankees were knocked out of playoff contention with a week to go in the regular season, ending a string of six straight postseason appearances.

Remembering what that was like made wrapping up a playoff berth with more than a week left this time around feel that much better.

«A lot of things have come together. Probably better health overall. Definitely an added focus for guys that were coming off tough years and simply put, we're better. We weren't a great team last year and this team has a chance to do something special,» New York manager Aaron Boone said.

After spending last year sitting at home when the postseason arrived, the Yankees wrapped up their place in the 2024 playoffs with a 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings Wednesday night.

Nestor Cortes, who pitched six shutout innings, said this Yankees team is using the sting of last season as motivation heading into October.

«Last year we were out of the playoffs. Sour feeling for us,» Cortes said as New York players drenched each other in beer and bubbly during a jubilant clubhouse celebration.

«Coming into spring training, we had one goal, and that's to make the playoffs, and we're here. Obviously, the ultimate goal for every team is to be in the World Series and win the World Series. But as of right now, we're going to enjoy this moment.»

New York has the best record in the American League at 89-63 and leads second-place Baltimore by five games in the AL East with 10 to play. The latest victory ensured the Yankees at least a wild card.

It's the 59th postseason appearance for the Yankees — the most in MLB history — but New York is still trying to end a World Series drought that dates to 2009, when the franchise