MLB Wild Card is almost here, and we have got some of the most dominant teams in baseball going head-to-head. But there are two teams that are more than just competitors; they are rivals, and they are a big part of MLB history. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will come face-to-face in the Wild Card Series. And Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone has already given his expectations for his pitchers, especially Max Fried.

In his recent interview, Aaron Boone said, “He’s had an outstanding season… he’s been a great pitcher in this league now for a while… You come to New York, that’s it’s a challenging… and daunting thing. He’s handled it so well… I believe him.” But this pressure on Max Fried won’t matter much because of the amount of pressure he has put on himself. In a recent interview, Fried said, “There’s no guarantee that I’m going to have another start. From here on out, we’re going to empty the tank and leave everything that we have out there.”

The weight of history isn’t kind in October; this rivalry forces every mistake into magnifying glass view, and both Yankees and Red Sox feel that pressure deep in their bones. Boone has laid out his starters with intention: Fried takes Game 1, Rodon in Game 2, and rookie Cam Schlittler for Game 3 if needed. Fried went 19–5 with a 2.86 ERA in 2025, finishing strong over his last seven starts with a 1.55 ERA stretch. Schlittler, though less proven, has posted a 3.27 ERA in his rookie campaign, showing flashes of dominance.

The Yankees have looked brilliant and broken at times; that inconsistency can kill you in October. Boone can’t afford those fluctuations now, not with a rival breathing down their neck and a single slip meaning elimination. Carlos Rodon bolstered the rotation all season (17–9, 3.04 ERA) and demands your respect even after uneven outings. Now, every pitch, every call, every swing feels like more than baseball; it feels like legacy.

When Aaron Boone hands Fried the ball, the Yankees are asking him to rewrite history tonight. Rodon and Schlittler follow, tasked with carrying October tension like it’s a full payroll. The Red Sox won’t politely wait while New York finds its October rhythm; that’s obvious. Every pitch, swing, and misstep now defines legends, not just another regular-season statistic.

The Yankees need to do some key things to get past the Red Sox

If the Yankees think history alone will carry them past Boston, they’re in for a rude awakening. The Red Sox aren’t just a regular-season footnote—they dominated the early matchups and have the fire to remind New York who owns the East. This isn’t a friendly neighborhood rivalry; it’s a test of talent, timing, and mental toughness. For Aaron Boone’s squad, the margin for error is practically nonexistent.

The New York Yankees will need to exploit their league-leading power hitting to counter Garrett Crochet’s effectiveness this postseason. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Amed Rosario have already proven capable, each hitting home runs against Crochet in recent matchups. With the Red Sox allowing more home runs than walks to Yankees hitters this season, every at-bat carries extra weight. Fans at Yankee Stadium will feel the tension rise with each swing, knowing one big hit could shift momentum.

Equally critical will be relying on the bullpen’s recent dominance to close tight games with confidence and precision. Over the season’s final 11 contests, Yankees relievers posted a 0.53 ERA while striking out 39 batters across 33.2 innings. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and closer David Bednar form a core, while Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill add depth. Each pitch could feel like a heartbeat in the stands, fans holding their breath as the series hangs in balance.

If the Yankees underestimate Boston’s mix of power and pitching, they’ll regret every swing instantly. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton must deliver, or the Red Sox will write the story. The bullpen’s recent form gives Boone’s squad hope, yet pressure will test even seasoned arms. In this rivalry, every pitch and hit will feel like a small war in the Bronx.