Fastball

An Amazing Stat on the New York Yankees' Reliance on Hitting Home Runs

The New York Yankees are the most dependent team in the American League on the home run.
Brady Farkas|
An Amazing Stat on the New York Yankees' Reliance on Hitting Home Runs
An Amazing Stat on the New York Yankees' Reliance on Hitting Home Runs

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New York Yankees

Hitting home runs is never a bad thing, but relying on them certainly can be. Especially in baseball in 2023. 

As Major League Baseball altered its rules to make athleticism and speed more a part of the game this year, we've seen a diversity of offensive principles around the sport this year.

Except with the New York Yankees, who enter Tuesday's matchup with the New York Mets as the most homer-dependent team in the American League.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

The Yankees & Mets meet in the latest installment of the "Subway Series" tonight (7 ET, ESPN). 

Just over 50% of the Yankees' runs this season have been scored via HR, the highest percentage in the AL and among the highest in MLB.

If you look at that stat, the Dodgers and Braves are currently playoff teams, so it's certainly possible to be good while benefiting from the home run, but it can't be the only tool in your toolbox. For instance, the Braves are in the top half of the league in both doubles and stolen bases.

The Yankees are tied for last in the league in doubles -- and are in the bottom half in stolen bases (18th). The Dodgers are 11th in doubles. Those teams have found other ways to score.

It's also tough for the Yankees considering that the best home run hitter in the sport, Aaron Judge, is on the injured list for the second time this year and can't help a team that is so dependent on his services.

The Yankees enter play on Wednesday at 39-29 while the Mets are 31-36.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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