On Christmas Day, as fans of the Yankees and baseball enthusiasts reflect on the 2024 season, it’s time to look back at some of the gifts the team received during their playoff run—unforced mistakes by opponents that helped tip the scales in their favor. Instead of players or key acquisitions, we’re talking about costly errors, wild pitches, walks, and other blunders that dramatically shifted the odds. These mistakes, ranked by Win Probability Added (WPA), were some of the biggest game-changers for the Yankees this year.
5. 6/16 vs. Red Sox – Error: +0.131 WPA
The Yankees didn’t win this game, but a crucial error in the top of the seventh inning almost turned things around for them. With the Yankees trailing 4-3 and the bases loaded, Anthony Rizzo grounded to first, where Dominic Smith threw to pitcher Brennan Bernardino. However, the throw was off, clanging off Bernardino’s glove and allowing the Yankees to load the bases with no outs. Despite this, the Yankees couldn’t capitalize, and a bullpen collapse led to a 9-3 loss. This also marked the injury to Rizzo, who fractured his forearm and was sidelined for a significant portion of the season.
4. 8/18 vs. Tigers – Wild Pitch: +0.139 WPA
In a tightly contested game against the Tigers, a wild pitch in the seventh inning allowed the Yankees to take a narrow 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, the bullpen struggled again, and the Yankees couldn’t hold onto the lead. Still, the wild pitch set the stage for a potential win, highlighting how even small mistakes can tilt a game in the Yankees’ favor.
3. 7/14 vs. Orioles – Walk: +0.165 WPA
Craig Kimbrel, a veteran closer, ran into trouble against the Yankees in July. Already leading 3-2 in the top of the ninth, Kimbrel walked two batters—Trent Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera—allowing the Yankees to tie the game with a runner in scoring position. Ben Rice capitalized on this by hitting a three-run homer, putting the Yankees ahead 5-3. Though they couldn’t hold the lead, the walks played a pivotal role in setting up the game-winning moment.
2. ALCS Game 4 vs. Guardians – Error: +0.172 WPA
Game 4 of the ALCS was a chaotic affair with both teams using 14 pitchers. The Yankees were able to hold off a late Guardians rally and eventually secured a win in the ninth inning, thanks in part to an error by Cleveland’s shortstop, Brayan Rocchio. With runners on second and third, Rocchio mishandled a ground ball off Alex Verdugo’s bat, leading to a crucial run for the Yankees. This error helped them break the tie and eventually take control of the game, which was pivotal in their 3-1 ALCS lead.
1. April 19th vs. Rays – Error: +0.265 WPA
In a game early in the season against the Rays, the Yankees capitalized on a costly defensive miscue. Down 1-0 in the seventh inning, Alex Verdugo reached base on an error, and a walk to José Trevino set the stage for Oswaldo Cabrera. Cabrera’s ground ball, which was mishandled by Yandy Díaz, allowed the Yankees to tie the game and put the go-ahead run on third. This gift helped spark a five-run inning, leading to a 5-3 win for the Yankees.
These unforced errors and mistakes by opponents were critical to the Yankees’ success in the 2024 season. While these moments may not have been celebrated by the other teams involved, they certainly helped the Bombers along the way. Whether it was a wild pitch, a walk, or an error, the Yankees were fortunate enough to take advantage of these generous gifts.
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