MLB playoffs 2018: Picks, predictions for New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox in ALDS

The 2018 American League Division Series will feature a battle between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. New York enters the series as a American League Wild Card after taking care of the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card Game. The Yankees are led by manager Aaron Boone, sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and one of baseball’s best bullpens. New York went 100-62 in the regular season. Boston enters the series as the American League East champions. The Red Sox are led by ace Chris Sale, outfielder Mookie Betts, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, closer Craig Kimbrel and manager Alex Cora. Boston posted a 108-54 record in the regular season.

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Here we go, Major League Baseball fans! October baseball has officially arrived.

The 2018 American League Division Series will feature a battle between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

New York enters the series as a American League Wild Card after taking care of the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card Game. The Yankees are led by manager Aaron Boone, sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and one of baseball’s best bullpens. New York went 100-62 in the regular season.

Boston enters the series as the American League East champions. The Red Sox are led by ace Chris Sale, outfielder Mookie Betts, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, closer Craig Kimbrel and manager Alex Cora. Boston posted a 108-54 record in the regular season.

Here’s how our experts see the series playing out.

Randy Miller: The Red Sox were the best team in the regular season, but the Yankees, despite tons of injuries, won 100 games, too, and they’re peaking at the right time. Yankees in 4.

Brendan Kuty: The Yankees are healthy and rolling at the right time. Boston will be stale with the long layoff. Yankees in 4.

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Steve Politi: The Yankees own one Boston starter, David Price, and another, Chris Sale, hasn’t been the same pitcher in the second half of the season. Yankees in 5.

Joe Giglio: In a short series, these teams are much closer than what proved out over 162. Despite how tempting it is to pick the Yankees, this Red Sox team was a juggernaut. It’s hard to imagine a 108-win team not at least making it to the LCS. Yankees give them a fight, but Boston’s star power wins out in a fifth game at Fenway Park. Red Sox in 5.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.