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June 13: Will addressing bullpen top Yankees’ Trade Deadline to-do list?
Adding a bat who could boost their lackluster infield production and lengthen their lineup was the Yankees’ biggest need prior to the 2024 Trade Deadline, and they accomplished that goal by swinging a deal with the Marlins for Jazz Chisholm Jr.
One year later, their strategy could be much different. Despite losing Juan Soto to the Mets in free agency during the offseason, the Yankees lead MLB in homers and the American League in runs scored, and their lineup is far more balanced than it was in 2024.
As a result, pitching will likely be at the forefront of the Yankees’ Trade Deadline pursuits in 2025, though the next few weeks could determine just how aggressively they need to shop.
If Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil make successful returns from the IL, it could lessen the need for the Yanks to pursue a starting pitcher, allowing them to focus instead on improving their relief corps. Even with Gerrit Cole out for the year following Tommy John surgery and both Gil and Stroman missing significant time, the Yanks’ rotation owns the eighth-best ERA (3.61) and the sixth-best FIP (3.58) in MLB.
The Yankees have received some encouraging news regarding their bullpen lately, with Devin Williams rebounding from a rough start and Luke Weaver progressing more quickly than expected from a left hamstring strain. Still, New York’s ’pen remains a bit thin, especially in light of the recent struggles Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. have endured.
Of course, the Yankees won’t be alone among contenders seeking bullpen help. As usual during this time of year, the demand for impact relievers outweighs the supply.