Road to the MLB Playoffs: Is the Yankees Rotation Fixed?

MLB
August 13, 2025

Can the Yankees Catch the Blue Jays? How MLB Odds Shifted After the Trade Deadline

 

New York bought in big, but the rotation still raises doubts. Are they worth betting on?

 

The MLB trade deadline caused significant ripples across the playoff landscape—and led to a considerable shift in the MLB Odds. The New York Yankees were among the most active teams, adding key pieces to try to catch the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

But the key question remains: Is it enough? Bookmakers have already updated their lines, and the MLB Lines offer insight into whether New York’s upgrades put them in true contention—or still behind.

 

Yankees Make Bold Moves… But Still Have Concerns

 

General manager Brian Cashman had one of his busiest days on July 31. The Yankees acquired:

  • Ryan McMahon (3B)
  • Amed Rosario (INF)
  • David Bednar (RP)
  • Camilo Doval (RP)
  • Austin Slater (OF)
  • José Caballero (INF)
  • Jake Bird (RP)
  • Wilberson De Pena (rookie-ball)

These additions improved depth, speed, and bullpen support—a problem area so far this season. There’s no question the roster is stronger, and the MLB Betting has shifted accordingly. However, their most significant vulnerability still hasn’t been addressed: the starting rotation.

 

What Do the Numbers Say?

 

Stat sheets provide context for the impact potential of recent call-ups:

José Caballero

  • AVG: .226
  • OBP: .327
  • SLG: .311
  • Stolen bases: 34 (MLB leader in 2025)

 

Jake Bird

  • ERA: 4.73
  • Strikeouts: 62 in 53.1 innings
  • Opponents’ AVG: .271
  • Austin Slater
  • AVG: .228
  • OBP: .290
  • SLG: .409
  • HR: 5

 

Caballero delivers the elite base-running speed the Yankees haven’t had, but Bird and Slater offer limited upside. The real impact is expected from Bednar and Doval in the bullpen—they could stabilize games down the stretch.

That improvement has nudged the Yankees’ MLB Odds into the +850 +900 range, putting them among the top contenders—but not yet at the level of the most confident favorites.

 

Rotation Still Lightweight

 

Despite upgrades elsewhere, the Yankees did not address their starting rotation, which has suffered from inconsistency and injuries. Marcus Stroman was released, and the team is banking on the returns of Luis Gil (expected Sunday) and Ryan Yarbrough (likely in August). But both come with questions about whether they can return to their 2024 form.

In a season where American League competition is tight, that’s a significant concern for bettors evaluating the odds to win the World Series for the Yankees.

 

Meanwhile in Toronto…

 

Across the border, the Toronto Blue Jays made a high-impact move by acquiring Shane Bieber, a former AL Cy Young winner, from the Guardians. Bieber is still recovering from Tommy John surgery but has made four rehab starts. If he’s available in September or October and effective, he ups Toronto’s postseason ceiling—and their MLB Betting remains strong, still landing around +850.

Toronto has dominated the season series (7–3) against New York so far, giving bettors more confidence in their chances.

 

MLB Odds After the Deadline: Who’s Leading Now?

 

The July 31 deadline reshuffled the outlook. Here are the MLB odds to win the World Series as of now:

 

  • Los Angeles Dodgers (+250)
  • New York Yankees (+850)
  • New York Mets (+850)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (+850)
  • Toronto Blue Jays (+850)
  • Houston Astros (+1100)
  • San Diego Padres (+1600)
  • Seattle Mariners (+1800)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (+1800)
  • Detroit Tigers (+950)

 

The New York Yankees have improved their standing post-deadline, but they share the same MLB Odds with multiple competitors—suggesting no single advantage.

 

Is betting on the Yankees a Smart Move?

 

Pros of betting on the Yankees:

  • Stronger bullpen with Bednar and Doval
  • Base-stealing ability from Caballero
  • Better lineup depth vs. left-handed pitching

 

Cons:

  • Rotation remains shaky
  • Subpar season record vs. Toronto
  • Injury questions still loom

 

Tips for MLB Odds–Savvy Bettors

 

Monitor the schedule: Toronto faces easier opponents down the stretch than the Yankees. That could tilt the division race.

Keep an eye on the bullpen: If Doval and Bednar can lock down the late innings, New York’s MLB Lines might get a boost.

Don’t discount Toronto: If Bieber returns strong and healthy, Toronto could be the most reliable team of the division.

Lock in futures early: If you believe the Yankees close strong in August, grab their MLB Betting now—before they shorten.

 

Final Verdict: Yankees Improved, But Still Not Favorites

 

Brian Cashman took a measured approach at the trade deadline—adding depth and speed while keeping the team’s long-term plans intact. But by leaving the rotation underaddressed, the Yankees remain a team with questions.

Bookmakers agree. Their MLB Odds portray a dangerous team—but not dominant. If you’re considering betting on them, this may be the last moment to capture decent odds—or pivot to teams with better overall stability.

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