Full Breakdown
Yankees Face Urgent Need to Strengthen Bullpen Ahead of 2026 Season
12/23/2025, 12:37:16 PM
Current State of the Yankees Bullpen
The New York Yankees are entering the 2026 season with significant concerns regarding their bullpen performance, which has deteriorated over the past three years. The team's bullpen recorded a combined 4.37 ERA in 2025, ranking 23rd in Major League Baseball, and has posted the lowest fWAR (Wins Above Replacement for pitchers) in the last decade, with figures of 4.5 in 2023, 2.9 in 2024, and 2.8 in 2025. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the bullpen's historical strength but noted the need for improvement, stating, “that’s my expectation again.”
Key Players and Prospects
The Yankees' current closer, David Bednar, is expected to lead the bullpen after a strong 2025 season. However, the setup roles remain uncertain, with Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz as internal candidates, both of whom have faced command issues. Doval, who has shown flashes of potential, improved his walk rate significantly from July to September 2025, prompting Boone to express optimism about his performance in 2026. Boone remarked, “I really feel good about where he was at the end of the season and into the playoffs.”
The Yankees have also re-signed Paul Blackburn, but his projected contribution is minimal, with FanGraphs estimating just 0.1 fWAR across 50 innings in 2026. The bullpen's depth is further challenged by the presence of players like Jake Bird and Brent Headrick, who are seen as projects rather than reliable options.
Trade Opportunities and Targets
To bolster their bullpen, the Yankees are reportedly exploring trade options, particularly with the San Diego Padres, who are open to offers for several relievers, including Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon. Estrada, who recorded a 3.45 ERA in 2025, and Morejon, an All-Star with a 2.08 ERA, are viewed as realistic targets that could significantly enhance the Yankees' relief corps. Yankees insider Chris Kirschner emphasized the necessity of adding at least one quality reliever, stating, “the Yankees currently have too many question marks in their bullpen to feel confident in this group being notably better in 2026.”
Additionally, the Yankees have shown interest in Garrett Cleavinger of the Tampa Bay Rays, who posted a career-low 2.35 ERA and a 33% strikeout rate in 2025. Cleavinger’s ability to miss bats could provide the Yankees with another valuable asset in high-leverage situations.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, the urgency to address their bullpen weaknesses is clear. With only one offseason addition so far, the team must prioritize acquiring additional high-leverage relievers to compete effectively. Boone's confidence in Doval and the potential of other internal options may not be sufficient to alleviate the concerns surrounding the bullpen's depth and reliability. The Yankees' management, led by general manager Brian Cashman, faces a critical task in securing the necessary talent to strengthen this pivotal area before the season begins.
