For a franchise built on tradition, dominance, and an expectation of October glory, the Yankees have looked uncharacteristically stagnant in recent seasons. Slipping into the third fiddle behind division rivals Blue Jays and Red Sox in the ever-competitive AL East, time is no longer a luxury, but a currency the Bombers can’t afford to waste. However, something might finally be shifting in the Bronx now.

The Yankees seem to have begun making quiet but calculated moves, hinting at the start of a long-overdue roster shakeup. If the series finale against the Rangers is any indication, the tide might just be turning.

In a game charged with tension, recent acquisition David Bednar stepped up as a crucial figure. He helped the Yanks seal a hard-fought victory and ignited hope among the fans. And, his performance may have done more than just lock in a win. It may have given the front office the confidence to move on from underperforming arms and begin shaping a leaner, meaner lineup built for the stretch run.

In what came about as a surprising announcement, the Yanks confirmed the release of the right-handed pitcher JT Brubaker on Thursday. But will this fresh approach finally pay off? Only time will tell if it is the beginning of a resurgence or just another false start.

The move came just days after the Yankees designated Brubaker for assignment, highlighting the team’s ongoing push to shore up a shaky bullpen as August gets off to a rough start. Brubaker was cut after tossing 16 innings across 12 relief outings this season, putting up a 3.38 ERA. And that’s arguably his best stretch in the majors since he broke in with the Pirates back in 2020.

Although on paper, the numbers looked solid, a deeper dive raised some red flags. His strikeout rate was at just 15.9%, while he walked 14.3% of batters, both well below league norms.

Since 2023, Brubaker’s journey has been marred by injuries. An oblique strain sidelined him for the entire 2023. And then fractured ribs during the rehab further delayed his return to the mound. When he finally took the mound on June 21 against the Orioles, it marked his first major league appearance since October 2022.

His performance over the following weeks did not solidify a long-term role, and with the new joiners getting traction, the Yankees might have found no more value in Brubaker.

Yankees’ turnaround might have played its part

After landing Bednar from the Pirates at the trade deadline, the Yankees knew he’d need a bit of time to settle in. Expectedly, his first couple of outings were a bit shaky. But on Wednesday, Bednar finally showed why the team was so keen on him, as he helped the Yankees snap a five-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 3-2 win over the Rangers.

The 30-year-old became the first Yankees pitcher to record a save of five or more outs with every out being a strikeout since Hall of Famer Goose Gossage did it on May 14, 1982, against the Oakland Athletics.

Bednar’s emergence helps explain why the Yankees might have cut ties with JT Brubaker. The right-hander was let go just a week after the team aggressively retooled its bullpen, not only grabbing Bednar but also bringing in Jake Bird and Camilo Doval. Clearly, the front office is done waiting around and is going all-in on revamping a bullpen that’s struggled to find its footing all season.

Even with the new bullpen additions, though, the Yankees have lost five of six games since the trade deadline. But Bednar certainly offers a ray of hope!