# Yankees banking on unlikely heroes for playoff run

> With stars sidelined by injuries, role players like Caballero and Wells must step up for New York to end its World Series drought.
- Title: Yankees banking on unlikely heroes for playoff run | Shortify
- Summary: With stars sidelined by injuries, role players like Caballero and Wells must step up for New York to end its World Series drought. Playoff success depends on…
- Keywords: new york yankees, playoffs, josé caballero, austin wells, aaron judge, gerrit cole, max fried, cam schlittler, injuries, wild card, world series drought, 2026 season
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/16/sports/every-playoff-run-requires-unlikely-heroes-and-yankees-have-options
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york yankees, playoffs, josé caballero, austin wells, aaron judge, gerrit cole, max fried, cam schlittler, injuries, wild card, world series drought, 2026 season
## Yankees clinch playoff spot
After the Blue Jays lost, New York secured a postseason berth and is on track for the top wild-card position heading into the final two weeks.
## Star power stays healthy
Aaron Judge, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Cam Schlittler are all healthy and ready for October after navigating a season filled with injuries across the roster.
## Caballero delivers in clutch
José Caballero hit a solo home run against the Twins on September 14, exemplifying the kind of unexpected production the Yankees need from depth players.
## Injuries forced roster depth
Star after star missed time this season, forcing unlikely contributors like Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, and Austin Wells to prove themselves in key moments.
## Unlikely heroes will decide it
Every contender has its stars, but playoff runs are won by the names nobody expected to matter. The Yankees' depth will determine if they end their World Series drought dating back to 2009.

> Every contender has its stars. The constants expected to anchor the run.
## Key takeaway

Playoff success depends on depth and unexpected contributors, not just star power.