The Yankees return to the postseason.

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

“Not participating last year was difficult, a tough offseason,” said manager Aaron Boone said Meredith Marakovits of YES Network after the competition. “We’ve got a long way to go, this is just the first step. One of the goals is to get into the dance and have a shot at chasing that trophy. … hopefully we can win the division now and get to that next goal.”

It wasn’t always easy for the Bombers in 2024. After a blistering start — with a 21-7 record in May — the Yankees blossomed into a .500 team. They went 14-13 in June before an 11-13 July put the team’s AL East title dreams in jeopardy.

The Bombers turn things around in August and play their best baseball games in September, winning nine of their last 12 games.

Even with the win and a spot in the playoffs, New York’s work isn’t done yet.

“We are excited, but we know the job is not done yet. We are chasing this division,” Aaron Rechter said. “To have a chance to punch our ticket back to the postseason after missing out last season means a lot. We have a special group and the guys are definitely excited, but know the mission is 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 take the top spot, they will have home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.

Even if they finish in second place, New York will avoid the best-of-three Wild Card round.

They currently lead the Baltimore Orioles by five games in the AL East and after Wednesday’s win their magic number is six.

Before 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 victory since 2009.