Yankees Roster Moves: Four Players on the Verge of Being Cut Before September
The New York Yankees are staring down the barrel of another late-season crisis. With September looming, the team finds itself juggling a collapsing rotation, bullpen chaos, and an increasingly crowded roster as injured players make their return. For several struggling players, the countdown has already started.
These Yankees roster moves could reshape the team heading into the stretch run — and for four names in particular, the writing on the wall is hard to ignore.
Amed Rosario – The Utility Man Without a True Role
The Yankees long admired Amed Rosario, finally bringing him to the Bronx at the trade deadline. His hot start — batting .600 in his first three games — gave fans hope he could be a hidden gem. But Rosario’s problem isn’t his bat, it’s his fit.
He’s versatile but not elite at any position. He’s only logged two innings at shortstop this season, limiting his true utility. Meanwhile, Jose Caballero offers stronger defense and long-term team control, while Austin Slater (once healthy) brings the outfield depth and lefty-mashing power the Yankees need more urgently.
Rosario may not be failing outright, but in a Yankees roster crunch, he’s the odd man out.
Jonathan Loáisiga – From Trusted Arm to Liability
Not long ago, Jonathan Loáisiga was one of the Yankees’ most trusted bullpen arms. In 2021, he was a relief ace, dousing fires and locking down innings. But those days are gone.
Now plagued by inconsistency and injuries, Loáisiga has become a liability. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ bullpen has been reinforced with the arrivals of David Bednar and Camilo Doval, while Yerry De los Santos is shining with a 1.63 ERA. Fernando Cruz is also returning soon.
In a Yankees bullpen shake-up, someone must go — and Loáisiga looks like the clear candidate.
Mark Leiter Jr. – Numbers Can’t Save Him
Mark Leiter Jr. is a puzzling case. His strikeout and walk rates are strong, and he’s done well to keep the ball in the park. On paper, he should be safe. But reality tells a harsher story: hitters kept finding ways to beat him, and the Yankees paid the price.
Before his injury, Leiter Jr. was overused, often thrown into high-leverage situations he couldn’t handle. The result? Runs piled up. With other relievers thriving and the bullpen full again, Leiter Jr.’s spot is shaky at best.
In the Yankees September roster moves, peripherals won’t save him.
Brent Headrick – Living on Borrowed Time
Brent Headrick has filled in admirably in mop-up duty, posting a 3.60 ERA with strong strikeout and walk numbers. But the red flag is undeniable: when he gives up contact, it’s often catastrophic. His 1.80 HR/9 rate makes every mistake a potential game-breaker.
The Yankees can’t risk late-season heartbreak, especially with Ryan Yarbrough returning as a steadier innings-eater. Headrick’s role was always temporary, and September may close the door for good.
The Harsh Reality of Yankees September Roster Cuts
As the Yankees try to claw their way back into playoff relevance, there’s no room for sentiment. Rosario, Loáisiga, Leiter Jr., and Headrick all have cases to stay — but September roster cuts don’t care about effort or history. They care about results.
The Yankees’ margin for error is shrinking fast. Every inning counts. Every roster spot matters. And unless these players turn things around immediately, they’ll be watching the final stretch of the season from somewhere other than the Bronx.
Because when it comes to Yankees September roster moves, one truth remains: there’s no mercy in a playoff chase.
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