Austin Wells' 3-run homer and Aaron Judge's hot bat powered the Yankees past the Royals on June 11, 2025. See how the Bombers' offense dominated again.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think the New York Yankees' offense can't get any more impressive, they find another gear. On a Wednesday night in Kansas City, the Bombers continued their reign atop the AL East, dismantling the Royals behind another masterful performance at the plate. While Aaron Judge continues to build his MVP case, it was catcher Austin Wells who delivered the knockout blow, reminding everyone of the depth this lineup possesses.
Austin Wells' three-run homer in the fourth inning traveled 381 feet, coming off the bat at 100.2 mph to break the game open.
The story at Kauffman Stadium wasn't just about the bats. Clarke Schmidt, who entered the game with a 4.04 ERA, put together the kind of quality start that wins championships. He effectively navigated a tough Royals lineup, keeping them off balance and handing a lead to the bullpen. But the offense certainly made his job easier. The big blow came in the fourth inning when Austin Wells launched a three-run shot to right field, his 11th of the year, turning a tight game into a comfortable 5-1 lead. It was a classic display of this team's power, which now boasts 105 home runs on the season. And of course, there was Aaron Judge, who just keeps hitting. The captain entered the night with a staggering .396 average and added to his incredible season totals, providing the steady, dominant presence that anchors this team.
As if the major league lineup wasn't scary enough, a giant is awakening in the minor leagues. Giancarlo Stanton began his rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots and didn't waste any time making an impact. In his first game back, Stanton drove in three runs on a pair of singles. While it's only one game, seeing him drive the ball with authority is a massive positive sign. His power bat is one of the few things this offense has been missing, and his impending return could elevate the Yankees from 'elite' to 'unstoppable' as they head into the summer months.
Amidst all the success at the big-league level, there was a dose of developmental reality. MLB released its preseason farm system rankings, placing the Yankees at 24th. That's a noticeable drop from 18th at midseason last year and 11th in the 2024 preseason. While a lower ranking is never ideal, it's largely a reflection of the team's 'win now' philosophy. Top prospects have graduated to become key contributors in the Bronx, and others have been used in trades to acquire established talent. The challenge for the front office will be to restock that pipeline to ensure this level of success is sustainable for years to come.
With another series win in their sights and a slugger like Stanton nearing his return, the Yankees are firing on all cylinders. The team is proving day in and day out that they are the class of the American League. The focus now shifts to closing out the series in Kansas City and continuing this dominant road trip, with the promise of even more firepower just around the corner.
