The New York Yankees are not yet facing their worst fears. However, the warning signs are starting to show.

The path to the World Series, a goal the Yankees have chased for 15 years, remains open but looks increasingly grim after their 4-2 defeat to the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the American League Division Series. This match-up is now tied, with both teams having one win each, as the series shifts to Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium, where locals are buzzing for their first playoff games since 2015.

With their Game 2 victory, the Royals secured two home playoff games in Missouri—which raises the concerning possibility that the Yankees might not see Yankee Stadium again until the next season.

Though the situation isn’t entirely bleak—Games 3 and 4 don’t feature an overwhelming ace pitcher for the Yankees to face—Seth Lugo, a veteran pitcher, is expected to contend for top honors in the AL Cy Young Award voting. Additionally, the extra day off in this series could rejuvenate a strong Royals bullpen.

However, after a series of struggles against the 86-win Royals—where the Yankees were fortunate to win Game 1 (6-5)—a clear truth is surfacing.

This $310 million roster isn’t performing at a high level.

Game 1 showcased Gerrit Cole, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, who seemed to struggle rather than shine, allowing four runs in five innings. In Game 2, $162 million left-hander Carlos Rodon illustrated the inconsistencies of his career. He began strong, breezing through three innings with just 39 pitches and five strikeouts only to falter in the fourth, allowing a game-tying home run to Salvador Perez and other crucial hits from players like Maikel Garcia, Tommy Pham, and Garrett Hampson.

As we know, the competition is tough, and everyone is trying hard.

On the topic of star players, discussions will undoubtedly arise about Aaron Judge, who has yet to shine in the playoffs despite being a $360 million player. It’s a valid point; Judge had only a minor infield single in Game 2 and currently stands at 1 for 7 in this series and just 7 for 51 (.137) over his last twelve playoff games since 2021.

Nonetheless, patterns in sports are often cyclical; individuals can turn their performance around quickly. We shouldn’t forget Judge’s impressive record of eight home runs and a .910 OPS in his first three postseason appearances.

It’s notable that the Yankees from 2017 to 2019 failed to win any pennants despite strong performances.

So, what about this year’s Yankees? In Game 2, their starting corner infielders were Jazz Chisholm and Jon Berti. While both are solid players, they don’t ideally fit those roles, unlike the last time the Yankees secured a World Series title with Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira manning those positions—virtually $500 million worth of MVP-caliber talent.

Even with Juan Soto now on the team, the Yankees have become easier to handle on the mound.

Critics may say “Judge isn’t stepping up,” which works well for headlines, but it doesn’t paint the entire picture. Austin Wells, batting fifth, struggled in Game 1 with two strikeouts, and as a team, the Yankees were just 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Meanwhile, the Royals remain confident, setting the stage for another potential disaster for the Yankees.

The anticipation has been high for matchups featuring stars like Judge and Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers. Fox Sports has been eyeing a Dodgers-Yankees finale since acquiring MLB rights—the last time these teams faced off in the World Series was in 1981, which marked the peak of TV sports ratings.

Today, in this oversaturated entertainment environment, both the Yankees and Dodgers risk exiting the playoffs early, as both sit at 1-1 in their Division Series, now facing tough matches on the road.

Additionally, no team from the AL Central has progressed past the Division Series since Cleveland did in 2016, when they nearly clinched the World Series. This year, they are assured a shot at the ALCS, with Detroit and Cleveland going head-to-head in another ALDS.

An all-Central ALCS could lead to an overlooked division finally winning a pennant. Let’s hope the executives at News Corp are ready for whatever comes next.

If the Yankees can secure a split at Kauffman Stadium, they would force a Game 5 return to the Bronx, where Cole would likely compete against Kansas City ace Cole Ragans, who managed to get through four innings while allowing only one run.

In their last game, the Yankees recorded just seven hits, with Chisholm’s solo homer in the ninth being their only extra-base hit, while Royals closer Lucas Erceg shut the door and secured the win. Kansas City heads home with a spirited crowd that could fuel their enthusiasm, especially following “Monday Night Football.”

This isn’t the most favorable circumstance for the Yankees, who may find themselves facing a one-and-done situation come October once again.