Major League Baseball is days away from pitchers and catchers’ reports. Spring training is right around the corner, and it may be the last chance for teams to solidify their rosters. The Yankees could have a shot at two potential bullpen pitchers.
Needless to say, the Yankees’ offseason hasn’t been at all “dynamic” in nature. A team that appeared to have needed offence added no offensive reinforcements. Instead, they ensured some returning names and focused on pitchers.
Brian Cashman and his office are very confident in the product they’re putting on the field this season. They added a starting pitcher, left-hander Ryan Weathers, which in-fact does bring depth to the rotation.
If he does not work out in the rotation, he very well could be beneficial in the bullpen. Recently, the Yankees also added right-handed pitcher Angel Chivilli. The Dominican pitcher came over in a trade from the Colorado Rockies.
His 97 mph fastball, amongst short-inning relief ability, will add to many options in the bullpen. As we wait, there are two more names that the Yankees could obtain before the start of spring training. Pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are still on the free agent market.
Chris Bassitt is one of the Elite Pitchers Amongst Free Agent Leftovers on the Market
The former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher is still unemployed as we enter February 2026. Chris Bassitt spent three years with Toronto and had an up-and-down stint. Overall, his performances were solid, finishing with a 37-31 record and a 3.89 ERA.
Last season, he went 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA. In Bassitt’s last seven seasons, six of them had 140-plus innings of work. He offers depth, longevity, and pitchability. This would benefit the Yankees in both the starter and bullpen possibilities.
Bassitt did take a relief role in the World Series last year, showing his ability to adapt and be effective. This makes him suitable for the Yankees’ bullpen, as their rotation may be a highly competitive dog-fight.
He’ll offer the ability to fill in as a starter and eat long-relief innings in high-leverage situations. There has been no bite for the right-handed pitcher so far. Therefore, the Yankees could get away with a cheaper deal.
Bassitt could be looking at a two-year contract, if not a one-year rental at one year. This hesitation within the league lies with his potential injury pattern. The risk on Bassitt could be more of a victory than a loss for the Yankees.
Veteran Right-Hander Pitcher Could Also Round Out the Yankees Bullpen
Coming from the same environment is right-handed veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer said he was not ready to hang up the spikes and would entertain the right offer. The Blue Jays have no intention of bringing him back after strengthening their staff.
This would be another cheap option for the Yankees to consider, especially in a relief role. Scherzer would be a great mentor to the Yankees’ youth and a great fit in the mecca of baseball.
He’s played on the other side of New York and understands the expectations. The right-hander would fit right into the bullpen, eating short-relief innings and being effective to get outs. The Yankees could spend minimal dollars to land Scherzer with minimal roster risk.
The addition of both of these arms would be a round-off of the Yankees’ bullpen, deeming both the rotation and relievers to be highly competitive.
(Top Image Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
