The New York Yankees have already locked in a playoff spot, but manager Aaron Boone isn’t satisfied with simply being in the 2025 postseason picture. He knows his club’s road back to the World Series will be a grind, and he’s made it clear he wants every possible advantage—starting with an American League Division Series bye.

For Boone, the choice is simple. Skipping the Wild Card round isn’t just about extra rest; it’s about survival. A best-of-three series may sound manageable on paper, but in October, baseball often tilts on the thinnest margins. Boone summed it up best: advancing without having to play is like “winning a series, essentially without having to play in one.”

The Risk and Reward of a Bye

History has shown both sides of the coin. Teams that clinch the bye often enjoy the

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