In a brutal display of dominance, the Los Angeles Dodgers crushed the New York Yankees 18-2 on Saturday, leaving fans and analysts reeling. Yankees legend and Fox Sports analyst Derek Jeter didn’t hold back in his assessment of the lopsided defeat, delivering a blunt reality check on the Fox Sports postgame show.
“The Dodgers are a better team,” Jeter stated, cutting through any excuses or optimism. His words hit hard, as the Dodgers showcased their superiority from the first pitch to the last, even without key stars like Mookie Betts, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. The loss exposed gaps in the Yankees’ roster and raised questions about their ability to compete with elite teams as the season progresses.
Jeter’s former teammate and fellow analyst Alex Rodriguez highlighted the absence of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who is sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery. “Without Cole, you have to pitch Will Warren,” Rodriguez noted, acknowledging the daunting challenge of facing the Dodgers’ potent lineup with a less experienced arm. The result was a night to forget for Warren and the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Amid the carnage, one bright spot for New York was captain Aaron Judge, who powered both of the Yankees’ runs with two home runs. Jeter praised his successor, saying, “He’s locked in.” Rodriguez went further, describing Judge as playing “on the next level,” a sentiment that left him momentarily speechless. Judge’s performance, including three homers over the series’ first two games, underscores his status as a superstar capable of carrying the team.
However, the former Yankees champions, who won a World Series together in 2009, made it clear that Judge’s brilliance alone isn’t enough. The Dodgers’ depth and execution exposed the Yankees’ vulnerabilities, signaling that significant work lies ahead if New York hopes to contend for a 2024 World Series rematch.
As the series heads into its finale, the Yankees face the urgent task of regrouping against a Dodgers team that’s firing on all cylinders and proving why they’re among the league’s best. With the trade season looming, Jeter’s candid assessment serves as a wake-up call for GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ front office. The Bronx Bombers got a stark reminder of where they stand against top-tier competition—and as Jeter put it, they fell “way short.”