MLB Futures – New York Yankees 2020 Win Total

Like every other sports league spanning the globe, Major League Baseball is in a wait and see mode due to the coronavirus outbreak. MLB has already pushed the start of the 2020 season back two weeks and if the league does start then there’s enough time to get in a full schedule of games. Based on that, we’ll dive into the New York Yankees projected win total based on a 162-game schedule. On Monday morning (March 16) the Yanks’ total was the highest on the board at 102.5 but by afternoon the season had been reduced further with win totals pulled.

2020 New York Yankees Odds to Win World Series

4/1 (Subject to Change)

The following preview is based on odds that were offered prior to Major League Baseball's decision to postpone the start of the season additional weeks and are no longer available for betting.

2020 New York Yankees Overview

Winning 100 games isn’t easy, but the Yankees did it for the second straight season by claiming 103 victories in 2019. And some would say they are better in 2020 with the addition of Cole. Injuries always play a key role in how a season unfolds and the Yanks are already dealing with some before the season even gets underway. The staff took a hit with the loss of Luis Severino and we likely won’t see James Paxton and Domingo German until later in the first half.

The AL East doesn’t look as daunting as it has in the past. The Red Sox have started dismantling in an effort to save money and the Orioles are still in the throes of their rebuild. The biggest threat is likely coming from Tampa Bay and Toronto, and those teams aren’t ready to dethrone the Yanks.

Pitching

Cole has been as solid as they come over the last few seasons and the Yankees need that to continue. He tossed over 200 innings for a third consecutive season going 20-5 with a 2.50 ERA and 0.89 WHIP for the Astros. Those numbers are for real since the sign stealing scandal had nothing to do with the pitching staff.

Had other members of the rotation been healthy the Yankees would boast one of the best staffs in baseball. As it is the group is just good even with the addition of Cole. Projected No. 2 starter Severino is done for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Paxton is dealing with a sore back and 18-game winner Domingo German is suspended for half the season.

Paxton isn’t expected to miss a lot of time if any now that the start of the season got pushed back. Until he returns Masahiro Tanaka will assume the No. 2 role. A reliable pitcher throughout his career, Tanaka added a slider to his repertoire last season. He went 11-9 with a 4.45 ERA. A key to the rotation is J.A. Happ, who returns for his second full season with the club. Another reliable hurler, Happ went 12-8 with a 4.91 ERA last season winning at least 10 games for a sixth straight season.

A strong back end of the bullpen and an explosive offense made up for the shortcomings in the starting rotation last season. The addition of Cole gives the Yankees a No. 1 starter and should allow for the pen to get additional rest every fifth day.

Closer Aroldis Chapman remains one of the best in the business. He saved 37 games last season with a 2.21 ERA. He no longer throws in the 100 MPH range and to compensate for decreased velocity he’s developed a devastating slider.

We can expect to see plenty of relievers Adam Ottavino and Zach Britton. The two combined for nine wins out of the pen while each posting a sub-2.00 ERA. That allowed Aaron Boone to shorten the game.

Hitting

The Bronx Bombers lived up to their name last season socking 306 home runs even with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton missing extended periods of time. More plate appearances from those two would be helpful, but the Yankees managed plenty of carnage with little help from the sluggers.

The double-play combination of second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and shortstop Gleyber Torres gives sock to the top of the order. LeMahieu hit .327 with 26 homers and 102 RBIs while Torres belted 38 homers with 90 RBIs. They were two of seven players to hit more than 20 home runs last season.

Gio Urshela had a solid season giving him the job at third base. He hit .314 with 21 homers. Luke Voit gets the nod at first base after hitting .262 with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs in 2019. The infield is solid and deep with Miguel Andujar seeking playing time one season removed from finishing as runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

2020 New York Yankees Win Total Pick

So much can go wrong with a win total so high. The Yankees managed to overcome injuries to position players and a below average rotation to win 103 games in 2019. The addition of Cole should take care of the pitching issues while Stanton is expected to have a bounce back season. Despite winning 203 games over the last two seasons the pressure is on Boone to deliver a World Series title. Winning more than 103 games is the first step to achieving that goal.

2020 New York Yankees Prediction: Over 102.5 wins

Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.

- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com