With 26 victories and 16 losses, the New York Yankees have performed well this season so far. However, despite their success, the team has started showing cracks, especially in its bullpen, which appears to be a bit too dependent on its starters.

What's the actual problem?

The Yankees bullpen collectively owns a 3.34 ERA, ranking sixth in MLB. The pitching staff has been heavily dependent on its starters. In their recent game against the Baltimore Orioles, Ryan Weathers pitched a phenomenal six scoreless innings, but reliever Brent Headrick later gave up a three-run homer that ultimately cost the Yankees the game.

Apart from David Bednar, no one in the bullpen has delivered consistent results. The most glaring issue sits in the setup role.

In 32.2 innings with the Yankees dating back to late August, Camilo Doval has posted a 5.23 ERA, having surrendered five homers and 19 earned runs. This year, he has pitched 15.2 innings and has an ERA of 5.74.

Doval maintains a solid 3.01 xERA and has not seen a dip in his velocity. Apart from consistency, Doval has been really good for the team. Another reliever who was acquired last year, Jake Bird, has been equally bad. He was demoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 14.

Despite the red spots, there is a bright side to the bullpen as well. Brent Headrick has been exceptional, with a 1.37 ERA in 19.2 innings, and Tim Hill holds a 0.00 ERA between the seventh and ninth innings. But despite that, the problem still exists.

The Fix: Trade Market Over Internal Guesswork

The August 3rd trade deadline is the last chance for the Yankees to fix their bullpen issues, and Brian Cashman will likely be active again after acquiring David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird at last year’s deadline

White Sox pitcher Seranthony Domínguez has been under the radar for a while now. He owns a 3.95 ERA with 11.2 strikeouts per nine for the third consecutive season.

also holding opponents to a .167 batting average, and is under contract through 2027 with a mutual option in 2028. His relocation will provide multi-year stability for the Yankees rather than a rental.

Another name who has been making some noise in the Yankee front office is Matt Strahm. This season, he has pitched 14.2 innings and has a 3.68 ERA. If everything goes well, Cashman can acquire him without surrendering any top prospect.

Internally, Yovanny Cruz remains an option at Triple-A, while Ryan Weathers is expected to shift to the bullpen after the starting rotation is fully healthy.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey