Every former Yankee on verge of winning 2025 World Series ring to rub salt in wound

With the Los Angeles Dodgers on the verge of back-to-back titles, New York Yankees fans can't stop thinking about all of the ways the Yanks could have derailed LA's dynasty in the past few years. What's more, as Yankees supporters are left clinging to fragile hopes for a big offseason, New York's divisional rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, have joined the Dodgers in being a few wins from eternal glory.

The pain doesn't stop there. If there are any Yankees die-hards interested in leaning into the bad vibes at the moment, they should be reminded that no less than seven former Yankees players are still in play to win a World Series ring, all the while the Yankees remain stuck in a depressing title drought that dates back to 2009.

These former Yankees have a chance to win a World Series ring by the end of this week

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Blue Jays

The valuable utility man spent two seasons in pinstripes (2022-2023). He was traded to the Yankees from the Minnesota Twins in March 2023. In 255 games for the Yanks, Kiner-Falefa hit .253 (.643 OPS) with 10 home runs, 85 RBI, and 36 stolen bases. Now in his second stint with Toronto, Kiner-Falefa has smacked five hits this postseason, including a key single in Game 7 that preceded George Springer's iconic homer.

Chad Green, Blue Jays

Green was released by the Blue Jays on Aug. 3, but that doesn't mean he won't get a ring if Toronto shocks the world and takes down the Dodgers. The right-hander made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2016 and spent seven seasons in the Bronx. He signed with Toronto ahead of the 2023 season.

Dillon Tate, Blue Jays

A former No. 4 overall pick by the Texas Rangers, Tate still hadn't made his MLB debut when he was traded to the Yankees in August of 2016, and he never rose to the big leagues in New York's organization, either. After a pair of stints with the Baltimore Orioles (with whom Tate debuted in the majors), Tate was claimed off waivers by Toronto at the end of last season, waived in the offseason, and then re-signed in March. He pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays this year and is not on their World Series roster.

Ben Rortvedt, Dodgers

Rortvedt was huge for the Dodgers this year when the two catchers ahead of him on the depth chart — Will Smith included — were out with injury. His 2025 ring, if it comes, will be fully deserved. Originally drafted by the Twins, Rortvedt spent two seasons with the Yanks (2022-23) but was limited to just 32 games due to multiple health issues, including a scary aneurysm during 2023 spring training. You simply have to be thrilled that Rortvedt is healthy and thriving in 2025, even if you're a Yankees fan. We just don't like being reminded of the Josh Donaldson trade.

Yoendrys Gomez

"YoGo" was designated for assignment in April when the Yankees made room for Tyler Matzek (ha, yes, that was this year!). The former top prospect pitched 12 games in the Bronx and that was enough for the Yankees to cut bait (for whatever reason). The Dodgers claimed him off waivers and New York traded him to LA. The right-hander got crushed in his 4 1/3 innings with the Dodgers before he was DFA'd again, only to end up with the lowly Chicago White Sox.

Anthony Banda, Dodgers

Entering the World Series, Banda has been reliable for LA in the 2025 playoffs, allowing zero runs in 2 2/3 innings of bullpen work so far (but then got shelled in the Dodgers' Game 1 disaster). Yankees fans should already be over this one, though. Banda was on the Dodgers' title team last year, allowing just one run across eight innings of postseason work. He led LA's staff in appearances during the 2025 regular season (71 games). Banda only spent two months in 2022 with the Yankees organization.

Lou Trivino, Dodgers (well, Phillies)

Trivino is currently on the Philadelphia Phillies, but he pitched 26 1/3 innings for LA this year, tallying a 3.76 ERA and 18 strikeouts. He was released by the Dodgers on July 27 and scooped up by Philly on August 4. Trivino spent 2022-2024 with the Yankees and pitched in 25 games.