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Who has the upper hand at each position between the Blue Jays and Yankees in the ALDS

How do both teams fare at each position in the ALDS between the Blue Jays and Yankees?
ByBryan Jaeger|
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Sep 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) slides to steal 2nd base against Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (22) during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) slides to steal 2nd base against Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (22) during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images | Mark Smith-Imagn Images
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First base - Vladimir Guerrero Jr vs. Ben Rice

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began the season slowly, but received a 14-year $500 million contract and started to turn his season around. Despite his power production decrease this season (23 home runs and 84 RBIs), he's still been a consistent bat, hitting .292/.381/.467 with an .848 OPS. The five-time All-Star looks to right a dud of a postseason resumé, where he's hit 3-22 with one knocked in over 22 at-bats.

Ben Rice has played three different positions for the New York Yankees, but has started the last two games against right-hand pitching. With the Blue Jays only utilizing right-handed pitchers, it's likely Rice plays every game at first base.

The 26-year-old has struggled in his first two seasons in the pros, but was a decent contributor in the Wild Card round this postseason, going 2-7 with a home run against the Boston Red Sox. Paul Goldschmidt may make an appearance if a left-handed pitcher comes.

Advantage: Blue Jays

Second base - Ernie Clement vs Jazz Chisolm Jr.

Bo Bichette is still uncertain to make his return from a knee sprain suffered on September 6, which means Ernie Clement will likely be playing second base this series. His strengths lie in defense, with 13 outs above average, and he can play four different positions. Offensively, he's a contact hitter, but lacks power, as he had a .313 on-base percentage, but only a .398 slugging percentage. He’ll likely be hitting in the bottom third of the lineup.

Chisolm Jr. is the far superior hitter of the two second basemen. He hit .242/.332/.481 with a .813 OPS with 31 home runs and 80 knocked in. Although in four postseason trips, he’s struggled with only 13 hits, two home runs, and two knocked in over 82 plate appearances. He doesn't bat against lefties regularly, but with the Blue Jays' right-handed heavy pitching staff, Chisolm Jr. should be regularly in the lineup.

Advantage: Yankees

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