MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Target Bullpen Pitchers, Top Options Emerge

Published 01/18/2024, 10:30 AM EST

The Bronx is buzzing. After a blockbuster offseason that landed superstars like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, the New York Yankees are poised for a deep playoff run. But one crucial piece remains to be sorted before Opening Day arrives: their bullpen. Enter the “Bombers’ Bullpen Bonanza,” a six-pack of potential aces who could propel the Yankees to October glory.

From fireballers like Robert Stephenson to crafty veterans like Matt Moore, each arm brings a unique weapon to the table. Will the Pinstripes land the lefty ace Josh Hader and send the Bronx into a frenzy? Or will they opt for a more strategic mix of veteran savvy and youthful swagger? Buckle up, MLB fans, because, according to The Athletic, the ’24 Yankees are about to unleash a pitching inferno that could light up the entire postseason.

Six arms who could propel the New York Yankees to the playoffs

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The Lefty Ace: Imagine “Nasty Nestor” Cortes Jr. with a 13.6 K/9. That’s Josh Hader, a five-time All-Star and the undisputed king of the current reliever market. His 1.28 ERA last season speaks volumes, and adding him to the New York Yankees’ bullpen would be like injecting pure adrenaline. The caveat? A hefty price tag (above $102 million for five years) and draft pick forfeiture might potentially push the Bombers into the dreaded “Steve Cohen Tax” territory, with their payroll already set to run past $305 million (per FanGraphs) for the coming season. Thankfully, the complications don’t entail their next prospective ace of choice.

The Quirky Comeback Kid: Remember the lefty changeup artist who dominated in pinstripes in 2021? Yes, Wandy Peralta‘s back, with 51 strikeouts last season—but with a slightly dimmer aura. His xERA climbed to 4.70 last season, prompting questions about his long-term viability. Still, his quirky charm and postseason experience make him a tempting option for a shorter, incentive-laden deal, unlike the veteran who shortly follows on the list.

The Shoulder-Saving Veteran: Acquired just before the trade deadline, right-hander Keynan Middleton flashed brilliance with an ERA of 1.88 before succumbing to a shoulder injury. Now healthy, he offers a reliable middle-inning option who can step into high-leverage situations if needed. He’s the “just-add-water” pitcher every contender craves—much like the terrorsome trump card following suit.

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The Tampa Bay Terror: Robert Stephenson exploded onto the scene after joining the Rays, pitching with 14.1 K/9 in 42 games—a dominance reminiscent of the likes of Mariano Rivera. His strikeout rate is eye-popping, but the New York Yankees might hesitate to invest heavily in yet another righty for the back of the pen, leaving space for the next lefty contender on their mound.

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The Mooring Upgrade: Forget Peralta’s regression. Matt Moore boasts a similar strikeout rate of 60, a lower walk rate, and a stellar 2.56 ERA across three teams last year. At 34, he’s not a long-term solution, but he could bolster the Bronx’s left-handed gap effectively while mentoring younger talents, much like the ultimate arm on the list.

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The Iron Horse: The workhorse righty Hector Neris has logged a minimum of 70 games in three of the past five seasons, most recently posting a stellar 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances. While his fastball velocity dipped slightly (if 93 mph is considered “low” enough), his consistency and experience make him a valuable stabilizer for any late-inning mix.

The New York Yankees have their options, each with strengths and drawbacks. Landing Hader would be a statement move, but Peralta, Middleton, and Moore offer varying degrees of affordability and effectiveness. Stephenson and Neris are intriguing possibilities, but the Pinstripes might prioritize a southpaw to complement their righty-heavy core. One way or another, the 2024 Bronx Bombers are about to set Yankee Stadium on fire.

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Written by:

"Those who gaze outward dream, but those who turn inward awaken." A pro-writer for MLB EssentiallySports, I’ve been a fan of the New York Yankees since my school days. In my adolescent years, I was introduced to the iconic franchise through one of my beloved Friends characters, Joey.

Edited by:

Deepanshi Bajaj

MLB Rumors: New York Yankees Target Bullpen Pitchers, Top Options Emerge

Six arms who could propel the New York Yankees to the playoffs

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