New York — The onset of September delivered fresh hope for three former New York Yankees whose 2025 seasons appeared finished.
Just hours before the August 31 postseason eligibility deadline, these former pinstripers discovered their seasons weren’t over. They all found playoff-eligible landing spots with contenders.
From Pittsburgh’s roster purge came Toronto’s utility solution, Philadelphia’s bullpen reinforcement, and Los Angeles’ reunion gamble. Each move carries playoff implications that could haunt or vindicate the Yankees’ own September push.
At the same time, two-time World Series champion Walker Buehler’s release and quick signing stirred questions about whether the Yankees missed an opportunity.
Andrew Heaney’s Dodgers reunion
Andrew Heaney rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 1 with a minor league deal for the prorated league minimum. The left-hander was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City but remains eligible for postseason play because the contract was finalized before the Aug. 31 cutoff.
Heaney’s 2025 season with Pittsburgh unraveled quickly. He posted a 5.39 ERA across 120.1 innings in 26 games, including 23 starts. His strikeout rate plummeted to a career-low 6.2 per nine innings. After opening with promise and carrying a 3.33 ERA through his first 14 starts, the collapse was steep. Since June 19, he recorded a 9.21 ERA. The Pirates released him Aug. 29 following an outing against St. Louis where he allowed five earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Yankees fans recall his short stay in 2021, when he went 2-2 with a 7.32 ERA in 12 games after being acquired from the Angels. That stretch included his start in the Field of Dreams Game, when he gave up seven runs to the White Sox. The Dodgers, however, saw better results in 2022. That year, he posted a 3.10 ERA in 16 appearances.
Los Angeles, sitting atop the NL West at 78-59, views the signing as low-risk depth. With prior success in their system, Heaney offers familiarity even if his 2025 results suggest limited upside.
Kiner-Falefa returns to Toronto
Isiah Kiner-Falefa returned to the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 31, claimed off waivers just before the deadline. Toronto had originally signed him to a two-year, $15 million contract in December 2023. The Blue Jays now owe the remaining $7.5 million of his deal.
The 30-year-old infielder appeared in 119 games for Pittsburgh this season, slashing .264/.300/.332 with 15 stolen bases but just one home run. His 70 wRC+ reflected well below league-average production. Even so, Toronto, leading the AL East at 78-56, added him to provide depth and defensive flexibility, especially with Ernie Clement dealing with injury issues.
During his Yankees tenure in 2022 and 2023, Kiner-Falefa was valued for his adaptability. He served as the primary shortstop in 2022, batting .261 with 22 steals. When Anthony Volpe took over the position, Kiner-Falefa shifted to a utility role. His most memorable Yankees highlight came against Seattle, when he pitched four scoreless innings and hit a home run in the same game.
Toronto expects his ability to cover multiple infield and outfield positions to be valuable as they prepare an October roster.
Mayza fills Phillies bullpen hole
The Philadelphia Phillies added Tim Mayza from Pittsburgh on Aug. 31, filling a major bullpen gap created by Jose Alvarado’s 80-game suspension. The left-hander was activated when rosters expanded to 28 players Sept. 2.
Mayza appeared in seven games for the Pirates this season, producing a 2.89 ERA across 9.1 innings. He had missed most of the year with lat and teres major injuries but worked his way back through rehab in August before Pittsburgh cut ties.
His Yankees stint in 2024 was brief but impactful. Signed after his release from Toronto, he pitched 15 games with a 4.00 ERA and later contributed 2.1 scoreless innings in the ALDS, ALCS, and World Series. New York non-tendered him in the offseason due to his projected $4 million arbitration salary.
For Philadelphia, leading the NL East at 80-58, the addition was urgent. Their bullpen carried a 4.66 ERA, ranking 24th in MLB. Mayza also returns home, having grown up in Allentown and played at Upper Perkiomen High School.
Walker Buehler analysis reveals Yankees’ strategy
Walker Buehler’s release from Boston on Aug. 29 and quick signing with the Phillies two days later drew the most attention. The 31-year-old right-hander had endured the worst year of his career with the Red Sox.
Across 23 outings, including 22 starts, he went 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. His strikeout rate dipped to 16.5 percent while walks climbed to 10.8 percent. Velocity was also down, with his fastball averaging 94 mph. By late August, Boston shifted him to the bullpen before cutting him. Though he signed with Philadelphia for the prorated minimum, the Red Sox remain responsible for the majority of his $21.05 million contract.
There was speculation about whether the Yankees might pursue him. Gary Sheffield Jr. voiced public support, and fans debated the move, but no serious talks were reported. Instead, New York prioritized reinforcing its bullpen at the trade deadline. The club brought in David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Doval, addressing relief depth rather than gambling on a declining starter.
While the price tag for Buehler was minimal, the Yankees avoided the risk of his declining performance and possible role concerns. Considering his role in closing out the 2024 World Series against New York, the front office’s decision reflected both strategy and caution.
Playoff implications and roster construction
By securing deals on or before Aug. 31, Heaney, Kiner-Falefa, and Mayza are all postseason eligible with their new teams. For Toronto and Philadelphia, the timing was critical as both lead their divisions. For the Dodgers, Heaney offers low-cost insurance as they gear up for another October run.
The Yankees, meanwhile, stayed with their own approach. They targeted proven late-inning relievers and avoided risks tied to underperforming veterans. Division rivals chose depth and versatility in case of injury or inconsistency.
These September moves highlight how playoff contenders differ in roster construction. For Yankees fans, they are reminders of familiar faces taking another shot elsewhere while the current roster is built to address immediate weaknesses.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
