Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler are the Yankees' brightest stars: Both received A+ grades from The Athletic's beat writers. Rice has been compared to a 2024 Juan Soto-like impact, while Schlittler is the early favorite for the AL Cy Young Award.
Austin Wells has been a major disappointment: Despite elite framing skills, Wells' offense ranks among the worst in franchise history, earning an F grade from one writer and a D- from the other.
Cody Bellinger was named All-Star Game MVP: The veteran outfielder drove in the first two runs of the Midsummer Classic and has been stellar defensively, though his bat has cooled since June.
Fan sentiment is cautious: A Pinstripe Alley/SB Nation Reacts survey revealed that most Yankees fans do not foresee a World Series return this year, pointing to the need for trade deadline upgrades.
The post-All-Star schedule is punishing: The Yankees face the two-time defending champion Dodgers, the Phillies, and the Pirates (with Paul Skenes) shortly after the break, following a disastrous 1-9 stretch against sub-.500 teams.
Compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data, the Yankees' midseason grades reveal a tale of two teams. On the pitching side, Cam Schlittler (A+) has been the revelation of the season, dominating hitters with a unique arsenal that earned him Cy Young buzz. Fernando Cruz (A) and Brent Headrick (A+) have been lockdown relievers, with Headrick posting a 1.55 ERA across 47 appearances. Max Fried (B/A-) was effective before his elbow injury, and Paul Blackburn (A) has transformed from a long reliever into a trusted high-leverage option.
On the position player side, Ben Rice (A+) has been the offensive engine, delivering in the biggest moments. Paul Goldschmidt (A/A-) exceeded expectations as a bench player forced into a larger role due to Giancarlo Stanton's injury. Max Schuemann (A) has been a versatile utility weapon.
However, Austin Wells (F/D-) has been arguably the worst regular hitter in baseball, with only his elite framing keeping him in the lineup. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (D/D+) is posting a sub-.700 OPS in a contract year, while Jasson Domínguez (D-/D) has struggled both offensively and defensively. Giancarlo Stanton (F/D-) has played just 24 games due to multiple calf strains.
The Yankees' second-half schedule is daunting. They open against the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by series against the Pirates (featuring Paul Skenes), the Phillies, and a road trip to both Chicago teams. The lone silver lining? No Red Sox series after August and a four-game set against the Rays at home in the final week.
The team went 1-10 in their final 11 games before the break, including a disastrous 1-9 stretch against the Red Sox, Tigers, and Twins — all sub-.500 clubs. This has raised serious questions about the team's ability to handle pressure situations.
The Yankees are in a precarious position. With Aaron Judge (rib injury) and Max Fried (elbow) on the injured list, the team's fate hinges on their returns and how quickly they can regain form. The trade deadline looms as a critical opportunity for general manager Brian Cashman to address catcher, third base, and the bullpen.
Are the Yankees playoff-bound in 2026?
According to FanGraphs, the Yankees have a 97.2 percent chance of making the postseason, thanks to a weak American League field. However, a collapse is not out of the question given their recent 1-10 slide.
Who are the Yankees' best players this season?
Ben Rice (1B) and Cam Schlittler (RHP) are the standout stars, both earning A+ grades. Brent Headrick (LHP) has been the team's best reliever with a 1.55 ERA.
What is the biggest problem facing the Yankees?
Offensive production from catcher Austin Wells (second-worst qualified hitter in MLB) and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (sub-.700 OPS in a contract year), combined with Giancarlo Stanton's extended absence.
When will Aaron Judge return?
Judge has been out since May 31 with a rib injury. His return is critical, as the Yankees' offense has looked "hopeless" at times in his absence.
What does the Yankees' schedule look like after the break?
The Yankees open with a home series against the Dodgers, then face the Pirates (Paul Skenes), Phillies, and a road trip to both Chicago teams. September features trips to the Angels, Padres, Twins, and Diamondbacks.
For Yankees fans: The team has clear strengths (Schlittler, Rice, Headrick) but also glaring weaknesses (catcher, second base, shortstop). The trade deadline will be a defining moment.
How to prepare: Watch for trade deadline moves targeting a catcher and bullpen help. Monitor Aaron Judge's and Max Fried's returns from injury.
Who this affects most: Yankees fans hoping for a deep playoff run; Fantasy baseball managers rostering Yankees players; Bettors considering World Series futures.
Key takeaway: The Yankees are almost certainly playoff-bound, but their championship ceiling depends on internal improvements and external additions.
Do you think the Yankees have what it takes to win the World Series in 2026? Will Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler carry them deep into October, or will the team's flaws catch up to them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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