The New York Yankees are right into their 2026 season and are doing it with emphasis. There are multiple positives so far, which is very refreshing. The bullpen is one of these positives; there are two specific x-factors to pay attention to.
One of the main concerns and focuses this offseason was the pitching, specifically the Yankees’ bullpen. The bullpen in 2025 did not impress. Especially during the short postseason stint. The confidence of that bullpen did not exist.
So far this season, it’s been miraculous. In four games, the bullpen has allowed a total of only two runs in 10-plus innings of work. Additionally, the bullpen has had 10-plus strikeouts. Keeping games intact and the Yankees to only one loss.
When speaking on x-factors in the bullpen, we go to one specific name who’s been doing phenomenal work. David Bednar.
Bednar is the solidified closer for the Yankees and has had two save opportunities, two saves, two innings of work, and a 0.00 ERA. Bednar is no doubt an x-factor in the bullpen, but two names complement him well.
Bullpen X-Factor: Camilo Doval
Camilo Doval has been one of the most spoken-of relievers in the Yankees bullpen. He broke into professional baseball as an international free agent signee with the San Francisco Giants. He was traded to the Yankees in 2025 at the trade deadline.
The right-handed pitcher holds multiple possibilities within his bullpen role. Without a doubt, Doval holds the ability to work meaningful innings in a mid-to-late game relief, for short instances.
His profile screams “shut-down” ability with a colorful pitch profile and flawless metrics. His values in measurements are all above average, in a competitive zone. Doval challenges hitters, is aggressive in his pitch approach, and works for the strikeout.
In 2025, Doval recorded a 12.6% walk rate, 3.58 ERA, a 25.9% strikeout rate, and a 40.5% hard-hit rate. Where Doval wins in his repertoire is the fact that he does not throw a fastball. He works three pitch options.
Doval works a sinker, slider, and cutter. The sinker is his most used pitch at 51.9% with a 60% put-away rate. The sinker and cutter both work upper 90s, while the slider works late 80s. The slider and sinker have 20-plus inches of vertical drop.
Doval is a strikeout machine and will force weak groundouts. Making him very important in crucial situations. He is a bullpen x-factor for 2026.
Fernando Cruz
Right in the conversation with Doval is right-hander Fernando Cruz. He doesn’t bring the same velocity power as Doval, but he brings diversity and effectiveness in his pitches.
The reliever works a four-pitch repertoire. Carrying a four-seam fastball, splitter, sinker, and slider. Last season, he recorded a 38.6% hard-hit rate, a 36% strikeout rate, and 12% walk-rate.
Cruz is also labeled a high-leverage reliever, trusted in very crucial scenarios, and maintains composure under pressure. His repertoire is made to force rollovers and chase. His command is on point, and his pitch options are elite.
Cruz’s split-finger is his put-away pitch. Holding a 40% put-away value so far this season, working early 80s, with almost a 13-15 mph differential. This pitch drops 40.1 inches vertically, pushing weak groundouts or misses.
Cruz is considered a set-up man to Bednar, and even Doval, who can be a fill-in closer. He is a bullpen x-factor and will be a key part of the staff. Bednar, Doval, and Cruz make up the saviour trio in the Yankees bullpen.
Main Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
