For the team nicknamed ‘The Evil Empire’, the New York Yankees came up short in their quest for the World Series. This season was still impressive as the Yankees keep up their successful tradition.

In a year where the AL East was half competitive and half embarrassing, the Yankees were right up there contending for the division title. It took a historic season from the Boston Red Sox to give the Yanks the second spot.

The anticipation for this year was somehow greater than last year for the Yankee fans. The reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton was traded from the Miami Marlins to the team.

Stanton finished his season in Miami with 59 home runs, plus he was going to Yankee Stadium which is notorious for its short dimensions. Add Stanton to a lineup containing Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Didi Gregorius and the Bronx Bombers looked dangerous.

Behind first year manager Aaron Boone, the Yanks seems to be alternating wins and losses every game. They then went on to win 17 out of 18 games, including a sweep of the World Series Champion Houston Astros. The revenge was sweet as the Yankees lost to the Astros in the ALCS the previous year, so the excitement was brewing in the Bronx.

Halfway through the year, the team was 54-27 and had some impressive games against Boston. The playoff spot was basically locked up from there since the Yankees were 27 games over the .500 mark.

During the All-Star Game, pitchers Luis Severino and Aroldis Chapman, as well as outfielder Aaron Judge, DH Giancarlo Stanton, and 2B Gleyber Torres were selected to represent the Yankees.

After a strong second half, the Yanks were still behind Boston and had to play in the Wild Card game against the young and talented Oakland Athletics. The A’s were no match for the Yankees however as home runs from Judge and Stanton, plus terrific pitching from Severino and Dellin Betances propelled the team to a 7-2 victory over Oakland.

This would lead to a matchup with the rival Boston Red Sox in the ALDS.

After a Game 1 loss, the Yankees jumped all over starting pitcher David Price in Game 2 to show the resilience of the Yankees club. A two home run game from Gary Sanchez, plus pitcher Masahiro Tanaka being lights out would lead to a 6-2 victory and a series tie.

The Red Sox came into Yankee Stadium with anger and determination the next game and annihilated every pitcher who took the mound, including Yankees backup catcher Austin Romine! Behind Brock Holt’s cycle, Boston marched into Game 4 after a 16-1 win.

Momentum was on the side of the Red Sox as Rick Porcello took the mound against CC Sabathia. The Sox took a 4-0 lead into the 5th but the Yankees would not go down easily. After rallying for 2 runs in the 9th, the comeback fell short at 4-3 after Gleyber Torres grounded out to end the season.

Talking to the media after the game, Boone stated “We’ve been through a lot this year, but the thing I’m most proud of with these guys is they always compete.” which was seen throughout the season and sums up the club perfectly.

Back to back playoff losses from the Yankees should be looked at as a positive especially behind a promising manager in Boone. There’s only optimism coming out of the Bronx as the Yankees should contend for years to come.