Barton: Yankees Better Positioned Than Mets

The second half of the Major League Baseball season is underway, and South Shore Press Sports Director Tom Barton believes the Yankees are in a much stronger position than the Mets. Barton joined South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw to break down the road ahead for both New York teams and what the Bronx Bombers need before the trade deadline.

Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, we're looking ahead to the second half of the Major League Baseball season. Yankees and Mets—what are you seeing?

Tom Barton: The Mets are in trouble. They have the toughest remaining schedule in baseball with opponents owning a .539 winning percentage. They still have to face the Dodgers, Brewers, Braves, Phillies, Yankees, Rays, Astros and Giants. That's a brutal stretch.

Mychajliw: What about the Yankees?

Barton: Their remaining schedule ranks 10th toughest, but it's much more manageable. They'll play the Dodgers, Phillies and Rays, but they also get teams like the Rockies, Angels and Orioles. Overall, I'd call it a middle-of-the-road schedule.

Mychajliw: What do the Yankees need to do to make a deep postseason run?

Barton: They've been in survival mode for a month. They've been without Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, while Max Fried and Carlos Rodón have dealt with injuries. Even with all that, they're still in good shape because the American League isn't nearly as strong as the National League.

Mychajliw: So they're positioned well if they stay healthy?

Barton: Absolutely. If they play in the second half the way they did in the first, they're a playoff team. But they still need help before the trade deadline.

Mychajliw: Where should they improve?

Barton: Everyone talks about catcher or another bat, and those are fair points. But my biggest priority is the bullpen. David Bednar has been outstanding, but they need more young power arms. You can't rely on aging relievers all season. Every year the Yankees need bullpen help, but this year it's more important than ever. A stronger bullpen could be the difference between another early exit and a legitimate World Series run.