Current options on the market right now are more appealing than ever to the New York Yankees. The free agent pool will get more attention after the tragic news of Juan Soto agreeing to leave the Bronx for Queens. The Yankees may want to think about some bullpen pieces and consider a reliever or two.
Two Potential Free Agent Relievers for a Stronger Yankees Bullpen
The Yankees could be losing relief pitchers Tim Hill and Tim Mayza. Ironically, they also lost former closer Clay Holmes to the Mets in free agency. The free agency purge is a natural route to parting ways with undesirable pieces. It also creates work: the tasks to replace and replenish those areas.
A few pitching pieces were removed from the diverse list of free agents these past weeks. Former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano was non-tendered by the team and hit free agency. He recently signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
What must these teams do to be declared “winners of the winter”? ❄️ pic.twitter.com/HKfhtRRBbA
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 12, 2024
The New York Mets picked up former Blue Jay southpaw reliever Genesis Cabrera, while the Atlanta Braves picked up Cleveland prospect Connor Gillispie. These were all viable options for the Yankees to reinforce their bullpen. The Bronx Bombers must look forward to the current availability of arms.
Free Agent Reliever, RHP Paul Sewald
Yankees management is still teetering on the idea of a closer for 2025. Although Luke Weaver seems to be the guy, that is not set in stone. In fact, his role could easily be switched back to what it was in the first place.
Weaver is fresh on the closer bump and has earned the shot at the role. However, the Yankees owe no one anything, especially after losing in the World Series. That being said, Paul Sewald is on the market and is fair game.
The 27th-ranked closer in 2024 was called upon to shut the door for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He threw 39 2/3 innings, saving 16 games and only blowing four games. Sewald recorded a 4.31 ERA with a 1-2 record, striking out 43 batters and walking 10.
Sewald could be flexible in where he comes in. He is not a bonafide closer, enabling him to sit as the set-up man in front of Luke Weaver. Sewald also has the option to rotate in and out of the closer role, situation dependent.
He employs a fastball, sweeper, and changeup. His command is good, and pitch usage is satisfactory. The right-hander does not bring much velocity but can spin in well, generating outs.
Free Agent, RHP Kirby Yates
Another reliever of similar caliber is right-hander Kirby Yates. Yates pitched for the Texas Rangers in a reliever role, specifically as a closer. He ranked seventh in the league for closers, putting up impressive numbers.
Yates saved 33 games, only blowing one game in 61 and 2 / 3 innings of work. He recorded a 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA.
Yates has been in the league for 10 years. He’s a two-time all-star (2019, 2024) and did not play at all in 2021 due to injury. This past season, he displayed that he’s able to execute his repertoire well in short instances and be effective. Yates has not had such a successful showing since 2019 with the San Diego Padres.
Yates is 37 years of age, employing a four-seam fastball, split-finger, and a slider. He’s sitting around 94 mph on his fastball with a 16.9 inch vertical break and 13.7 arm side horizontal break with a score of 15 for deviation.
Yates generated 45.5% groundouts in 2024, 34.7% flyouts, and only 4.1%-barrel contact. He also generates rollover outs and gets the ball in play for his defense.
The right-handed veteran would complement the Yankees bullpen in the late innings, also in addition to their current closer.
He can platoon that role or work in as the set-up man. His experience is valuable to the younger players, as he has playoff experience and pitched in both leagues.
If the Yankees want to prioritize a reliever, both of these names would be considerable options with the goal of winning in mind.
