The Yankees are returning to the postseason.

After missing the playoffs a year ago for the first time since 2016, the Yanks clinched a spot with a 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

"Not getting in last year was difficult, tough offseason," manager Aaron Boone told YES Network's Meredith Marakovits after the game. "We have a long way to go, this is just the first step. One of the goals is to get into the dance and have a chance to chase that prize. ... hopefully now we can win the division and get that next goal."

It wasn't always easy for the Bombers in 2024. After getting off to a blistering start -- with a 21-7 record in May -- the Yankees turned into a .500 team. they went 14-13 in June before an 11-13 July put the team's dreams of an AL East crown in jeopardy.

The Bombers would right the ship in August and are playing some of their best baseball in September, winning nine of their last 12 games.

Even with the win and playoff berth, New York's work is not done.

"We're excited, but we know the job's not finished. We're hunting this division," Aaron Judge said. "To get an opportunity to punch our ticket back to the postseason after missing it last season means a lot. We have a special group and the boys are definitely excited but know the mission's ahead of them."

The Yankees (89-63) sit atop the American League standings as the No. 1 seed, 1.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians. If the Yanks can capture the top seed, they’ll have home field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.

Even if they fall to the No. 2 seed, New York will avoid the best-of-three Wild Card round.

They are currently five games up on the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East and after Wednesday's win, their magic number is six.

Prior to missing the playoffs in 2023, the Yankees made the ALCS in 2022 but were swept by the Houston Astros. The Bronx Bombers are still seeking their first World Series appearance, and win, since 2009.

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