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. Despite never having played an inning in the big leagues, it's clear that Rodríguez has the superior stuff to both .…