The New York Yankees have done a decent job in keeping the Blue Jays within reach, but everything is falling apart in this series against the Detroit Tigers. We knew this tough stretch for the Yankees was going to define their season, and that is exactly what is happening. All the weaknesses the Yankees had have just been exposed.

The Yankees just lost 11-1 to the Tigers, and Brian McKeon of the Locked on Yankees channel is blaming the bullpen. McKeon said, “I don’t think there’s a lot of pieces you can necessarily trust in this bullpen going forward… I think the trade deadline was good for Cashman. I think he did a great job… It’s just they’re not. Aside from Bednar, he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing… other people aren’t… It’s just it’s going to become a problem come October.”

The Yankees’ series against the Tigers has turned into a nightmare, exposing their most persistent flaw: the bullpen. In back-to-back blowout losses, Detroit scored 23 runs, with 19 allowed after the fifth inning. Starters Carlos Rodon and Will Warren delivered six solid innings each, only to watch the relief corps implode. Camilo Doval, Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., and Luke Weaver all surrendered homers that turned close contests into embarrassing routs.

This collapse isn’t new; it has defined the Yankees’ season, erasing strong starts and wasting key offensive firepower. Their bullpen ERA sits at 4.54, ranked 24th in baseball, a staggering number for a contender. Relievers have allowed 575 runs overall, with only 37 saves, placing them 15th among thirty clubs. Those totals reveal how frequently late-inning execution has failed, undercutting the rotation and leaving the offense without protection.

At the trade deadline, Brian Cashman sought fixes by acquiring David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. Only Bednar has proven reliable, taking over as closer, while Doval’s 6.59 ERA and Bird’s demotion highlight missed evaluations. Manager Aaron Boone has also drawn criticism for mismanaging arms, leaving struggling relievers on the mound too long. When Fernando Cruz and Leiter Jr. were clearly unraveling, Boone’s hesitation transformed winnable games into unwatchable disasters.

Now, the margin for error is paper-thin, with New York just three games behind Toronto and four ahead of Texas. Sitting at 80–65 with 145 games played, their 37 saves barely mask glaring inconsistency. A bullpen that ranks near the bottom in ERA and walks has already cost critical wins in September. Unless Boone and his relievers stabilize immediately, this flaw could erase postseason dreams before October even arrives.

The Yankees wanted October swagger, but instead they’ve built September stress tests that no fan signed up for. Brian Cashman’s deadline bets and Aaron Boone’s bullpen roulette have turned late innings into comedy routines with tragic consequences. Bednar alone cannot duct-tape a collapsing foundation, not when Doval and company keep handing out souvenirs. If New York doesn’t solve this mess now, October won’t be a threat—it’ll be a vacation.

Aaron Boone could be making a move that could save the Yankees’ postseason

The Yankees have spent September proving that no lead is safe, their bullpen turning late innings into nightly trust falls without a catcher. Aaron Boone, already juggling relievers who specialize in heartbreak, now faces the uncomfortable truth that his lineup isn’t helping either. The Bronx can forgive blown saves, but when Boone’s shortstop decision becomes another liability, the postseason dream teeters on a knife’s edge.

Anthony Volpe’s 2025 season has been a study in unfulfilled potential, frustrating the Yankees organization. His offense stagnated at a .207/.269/.396 line while defense collapsed, posting -8 OAA in the field. Once a Gold Glove winner and defensive anchor, Volpe now leaves Boone questioning postseason reliability. Every misplay magnifies pressure, highlighting the uncomfortable truth that his lineup contributions may no longer suffice.

Jose Caballero, newly arrived from the Rays, now enters the conversation as a potential shortstop upgrade. In limited action, he has produced a .233/.346/.419 line with +2 OAA, showcasing defensive stability.
Joel Sherman predicted on the Pinstripe Post Podcast, “I say Jose Caballero is their shortstop in the playoffs.” While Caballero isn’t an offensive juggernaut, Sherman added, “This version of him is so much better than Volpe.”

The Yankees’ postseason hopes now hang in careful decisions amid bullpen failures and uneven lineup production. Boone faces a delicate balance between trust and pragmatism, weighing veteran promise against current effectiveness. Even top insiders recognize the logic, noting that Volpe’s struggles cannot jeopardize October’s chances any longer. Ultimately, Caballero represents a short-term solution, blending defensive reliability with a glimmer of offensive competence.

If Boone makes the switch, the New York Yankees might finally stop watching September unravel in real time. Volpe’s decline has been dramatic enough to justify hard choices, no matter how loyal the fanbase feels. Caballero, imperfect yet steadier, could provide the defensive spine this postseason desperately demands from the Bronx. In a city that worships stars but punishes mistakes, Boone’s gamble might be the smartest move yet. Because in New York, even shortstop decisions can become headline-worthy acts of crisis management and comedy.