The 2020 New York Yankees season, their 118th, was dramatically altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed Opening Day to July 23 and shortened the campaign to just 60 games under manager Aaron Boone. Despite a hot 16–6 start, the team stumbled to a 21–21 record before rebounding to finish 33–27, securing the fifth seed in the expanded playoffs and sweeping the Cleveland Indians in the Wild Card Series before falling to the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. The offseason was highlighted by the blockbuster signing of ace Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract—the richest ever for an MLB pitcher—who won his debut against the defending champion Washington Nationals. The Yankees made history in September by becoming the first team to hit six or more home runs in three consecutive games, totaling 19 long balls. Individually, DJ LeMahieu led the majors with a .364 batting average, while Luke Voit topped MLB with 22 home runs, making them the first teammates to lead the league in those categories since Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews in 1959. LeMahieu also became the second player ever to win batting titles in both leagues, adding a remarkable personal achievement to a memorable, pandemic-shortened season.