Gerrit Cole grimaced as Kyle Isbel’s fly ball soared toward the right field wall at Kauffman Stadium. The New York Yankees were just seven outs away from clinching their series against the Kansas City Royals, who are often dubbed “pesky” by fans of larger cities. However, Isbel’s hit was close to changing the game for the Yankees.

In just a few slow-motion moments, Cole’s expression captured the anxiety many Yankees supporters have felt over recent weeks, months, or even years.

Fortunately, the match remained at 3-1 as Isbel’s ball found its way into Juan Soto’s glove at the fence, preventing a potential tying homer. Cole managed to pitch seven fantastic innings, sealing the victory.

His joyous outburst illustrated the mixed emotions he has held throughout this American League Division Series. Despite throwing 155 pitches with great intensity in his two starts and leading the Yankees to victory, Cole never seemed entirely at ease, especially with the Royals boasting several skilled hitters capable of turning the tide.

Yet now, Cole can breathe a sigh of relief – and so can Yankees fans. Their team has managed to survive a tense and pivotal challenge, landing them in an excellent position.

By defeating the Royals 3-1 in Game 4, the Yankees have successfully advanced to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2022.

They will aim for their first ALCS win since 2019, after being swept by Houston in 2022, and they haven’t secured a pennant or World Series title since 2009—something that remains vivid in the minds of the entire organization.

However, recent playoff performances have shown them that many factors are beyond their control. In October, team matchups, players’ form, and injuries can often outweigh the desire to win, regardless of the team’s hefty payroll or historic reputation.

Now, as they step out of the division round, the Yankees find themselves in an unexpected position: in excellent shape.

They will kick off Game 1 of the ALCS on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium, pending the identity of their opponent. The Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers are currently engaged in their own tightly contested series in the other ALDS.

Cleveland’s victory in Game 4 has set up a decisive final game, meaning that Detroit must use their best pitcher, Tarik Skubal, in this crucial matchup if they wish to advance.

Skubal won’t pitch until at least Game 3 of the ALCS; thanks to their Game 4 win, Cole can be ready for Game 2, while Clarke Schmidt will start Game 1 against the remaining pitchers from either the Guardians or Tigers.

The matchup between the Guardians and the Tigers is beginning to resemble two offensively challenged teams lacking the frontline pitching necessary to succeed in a best-of-seven series. They are akin to the Royals, who fought valiantly but seemed one or two hitters short of truly competing at the highest level.

In a surprising turnaround, just a few nights since their season appeared to be in jeopardy, the Yankees can now confidently say they fit that profile.

Their pitching is strong: Cole, who regained form in his last two regular season starts after battling an elbow injury, threw seven solid innings in Game 4, walking no one and yielding only six hits—most of which were singles. The bullpen has been impressive too, completing 15 and 2/3 innings without conceding an earned run during the series.

The Yankees have also shown resilience: Luke Weaver, named the closer just weeks ago after issues with All-Star Clay Holmes, successfully saved all three games in the ALDS. He recorded a five-out save, along with two four-out saves, and retired 14 of the 16 batters he faced. It was no surprise when towering teammates Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton lifted Weaver in celebration after the game.

“These guys are incredible,” Cole said in a post-game interview, praising Weaver and Holmes, who adapted well to a setup role and took care of the eighth inning in Game 4. “They want the ball in critical situations. They’ve faced challenges and come out stronger, which boosts our confidence in them.”

The team’s offense has also been just sufficient: Stanton achieved six hits in 15 plate appearances, including two doubles and a home run, while Judge recorded five walks and a Game 4 double, as the Royals purposely avoided letting the presumed MVP dominate the game.

However, the Yankees managed to push through, contrasting the struggles of the 95-win Philadelphia Phillies, who have already been eliminated, and the seasoned playoff contenders, the Houston Astros, who also failed to advance. The Los Angeles Dodgers, another storied franchise, must now fight for survival in the upcoming NLDS Game 5.

They will deal with their own challenges.

“Now,” remarked manager Aaron Boone, “we’ve reached the final four. Everyone feels good about their prospects. I certainly do.”

Why not? The Yankees are heading home, ready to enjoy a long three-day weekend and prepared to tackle what’s next.

Take a deep breath. A greater opportunity awaits.