After narrowly avoiding their first last-place divisional finish since 1990 last season, New York Yankees fans have big expectations for 2024. It looks like the team is capitalizing on that sense of urgency.
The New York Yankees will start their new season with a Mar. 28 away date in Houston against the Astros. After a stop-off in Arizona, they will come home to play the Toronto Blue Jays for their first game of the season in the Bronx. The ticket prices are reflecting the magnitude of the season.
"1-10, How confident are you that the 2024 New York Yankees make the playoffs? #NYY #RepBX #ItsTime" - Captain's Corner
Currently, $330 stands as the average price for a lower bowl seat at Yankee Stadium for their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Although some fans feel as though it's an excessive amount, a dive into the realities of the Yankees' payroll seems to justify the hefty sum.
They are committed to pay captain Aaron Judge $40 million next season, while former San Diego Padres star Juan Soto will receive $31 million. Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and defending AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole round out the top of the payroll, commanding salaries of $36 million and $29 million respectively in 2024.
The Yankees were 7-6 in 13 meetings with the Jays in 2023. However, the MLB's only Canadian team finished higher in the standings. Dueto their 82-80 record, the Yankees finished with the second-worst record in the AL East, narrowly edging out the Boston Red Sox.
"Yankees fans chant for team to 'Fire Cashman' amid 'disaster' 2023 season" - New York Post
Moreover, some Yankees fans feel a sense of profound dissapointment with the team's front office.
Long expected to nail down Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, team GM Brian Cashman became the focus of much criticism after the 25-year old NPB icon signed a 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $325 million.
New York Yankees have a lot to prove in 2024
After injuries, underperformance and, some would say, mismanagement derailed the Yankees' 2024 season, fans in the Bronx want to see a much more competitive performance this year.
Whether that will be the case remains to be seen, but at least we know how much it will cost to get a glimpse of the Bronx Bombers as they embark on the lofty mission of doing something significant in 2024.