The New York Yankees finished the 2025 season with a 94-68 record, tying for first place with the Toronto Blue Jays . Despite going 9-1 in their final ten games and doing everything they could to take the AL East at the end of September, Toronto had the tiebreaker.

2025 was a season marred by blown leads and missed opportunities, and a year later, it does feel like the Yankees are taking things a little more seriously, in hopes of never being in a situation like that again. Designating Randal Grichuk for assignment to make room for Elmer Rodríguez in the final game of a series against the Rangers that they already won is one sign that's happening.

The moment Elmer Rodríguez found out he was headed to the Big Leagues 🥹 @NYYPlayerDev | #RepBX pic.twitter.com/4kVKawt5xt

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 29, 2026

The Yankees could have easily gone with Ryan Yarbrough or Paul Blackburn.…