Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 10/3/26, 10:29 AM  by Carlos Zabala in MLB Picks

The Yankees emerged stronger from the Wild Card Series, dominating their archrivals in the Bronx, defeating the Red Sox 9-0 in Game 1 and 9-2 the following day to advance. Awaiting them on the road are their divisional rivals, the Rays, who had the best record in the AL during the regular season, at Tropicana Field. The regular season series between the Rays and Yankees this year ended 7-6.

Without Judge in the lineup for the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, the Yankees' lineup seemed somewhat less intimidating in these playoffs, but they proved otherwise. Rice went 4-for-5 with a grand slam on Wednesday, while Cam Schlittler pitched a gem, and the next day Bellinger and García also homered to eliminate the Red Sox.

Even so, sportsbooks have the Rays as -135 favorites to take Game 1 of the Division Series. With a 55-26 record at home, a team boasting an impressively high collective batting average, and a clutch bat like Caminero's, this Rays lineup will want to be a nightmare for Cole on Saturday.