When the Guardians defeated the Tigers on Saturday in Game 5 of their American League Division Series in Cleveland, it officially set up a long postseason rivalry in the 2024 American League Championship Series. The Yankees had their ALCS ticket on Thursday in Kansas City recovered, when they defeated the Royals in four points.

As John wrote, New York and Cleveland have faced off in six different previous playoff series, including a brief Wild Card Series in 2020 and four ALDS rumbles, most recently in 2022 (when Gerrit Cole grabbed the spotlight). However, this will be the first ALCS between them since 1998, when the legendary Yanks averted a scare in Cleveland and won the pennant in six games.

The ALCS will have a more standard schedule than the ALDS, with built-in days off after Games 2 and 5, weather permitting. Neither team needed a fourth starter last round, but for Game 4 they need someone besides the front three. Plus, the bullpens don’t get as much rest, so each team will add another reliever or two at the expense of the bench.

So here’s who the Yankees will draft to face Cleveland with a spot in the World Series on the line.

Catchers: Austin Wells, Jose Trevino (2)
Infielders: Anthony Rizzo, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Gleyber Torres, Anthony Volpe, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jon Berti (6)
Outfielders: Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Jasson Domínguez, Trent Grisham (5)
Designated hitter: Giancarlo Stanton (1)
Starting pitchers: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil (4)
Bullpen: Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, Clay Holmes, Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, Tim Mayza, Marcus Stroman (8)

The Yankees have deployed pretty consistent starting lineups, with Wells behind the plate, Torres at second, Volpe at shortstop, Chisholm at third, Stanton at DH and a left-to-right outfield of Verdugo, Judge and Soto.

The cold corner was a question, as in Rizzo’s plunking-induced absence, the Yankees used a mix of utility man Cabrera and first baseman Berti. Young Ben Rice was also on the ALDS roster, although he did not play and was cut for this round. Rizzo had expressed hope that his hand could heal in time for him to return to the ALCS, and apparently the Yankees have decided he’s good to go. Will he actually be ready for in-game action and pitching? Is this a move with the final part of the series in mind when he can’t hit yet? We’ll find out soon enough. As long as they play quality first base, the Yankees will likely be happy.

So look for Cabrera and Berti to return to key bench roles, and since the speedy Berti can be the designated pinch-runner again, Duke Ellis’ ALDS spot was made redundant. He’s out to bring another pitcher into the fold. Cabrera and Berti are joined on the pine tree by backup catcher Trevino, rookie Domínguez and backup outfielder Grisham. The Yankees have opted to rely on Verdugo in left field over Domínguez, largely due to their comfort in the former’s familiarity with the position. But the 21-year-old will be there when needed. However, Boone hated using his bench in the ALDS, so we’ll see.

Rodón will start Game 1 tonight, followed by the ace, Cole, in Game 2. As in the ALDS, Schmidt will handle Game 3, and Rookie of the Year candidate Gil will make his playoff debut in Game 4 after was not needed against Kansas City. Nestor Cortes tried to come back from a late elbow injury, but he’s not quite there yet, so he remains out of the playoff roster. The relievers will be especially important, as all the starters outside of Cole are likely on a short leash, and the bullpen has been great for over a month now. Look for Weaver, Kahnle, Holmes and Hamilton for the highest leverage moments. It also wouldn’t be a shock to see Cousins ​​or Hill in a big spot.

The pen is completed by Mayza and Stroman. The latter was left out of the ALDS roster because he was left out of the starting rotation and could only make a limited contribution in a short series with several off days. But in these longer series, Stroman may be needed for clean-up work or simply as emergency assistance in extensions. There is value in someone who can provide length, even if it is just a “nice” length.

As a reminder, here is the current ALCS schedule:

*If necessary
**Game 6 would start at 7:38 PM ET if the NLCS does not play seven games.