Yankees Gain AL Wild-Card Lead as Jazz Chisholm Declares Team to Beat

The New York Yankees are surging at a crucial time in the 2025 MLB season, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been a standout performer, nearing a 30-30 season with 29 home runs and 30 stolen bases, a rare achievement in Yankees history. Chisholm has confidently declared the Yankees as the team to beat, emphasizing their relentlessness and recent turnaround following a team bonding session that refocused their mindset. The Yankees hold a solid record since early August, including series wins against the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, and currently have a 2.5-game lead for the top AL wild-card spot while trailing the Blue Jays by three games for the AL East lead. Manager Aaron Boone and Chisholm credit the team’s recent success to renewed focus and resilience despite earlier injuries that affected Chisholm’s performance. With only a few games left in the regular season, the Yankees are poised to make a strong playoff push, fueled by Chisholm’s dynamic play and the team’s collective confidence.