There isn’t much to complain about with the Yankees bullpen this season. Don’t let the talking heads, “experts”, and couch GMs on social media fool you. They rank inside the top three in ERA and have only allowed 19 home runs. However, the Yankees are lacking another reliable left-handed reliever. Their offseason acquisition of Caleb Ferguson just hasn’t panned out. This is something the Yankees need to address at the trade deadline.
The Bullpen Has Been A Strength
Embed from Getty ImagesThis season, the New York Yankees bullpen has been a strength for this team. They’ve gotten great contributions from Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Victor Gonzalez, Michael Tonkin, and Nick Burdi. The bullpen has also started to get healthy as key reliever Tommy Kahnle recently returned from the injured list. The Yankees rank inside the top three in ERA at 3.19. The only team allowing in the American League allowing less-earned runs is the Cleveland Guardians. The bullpen has also only allowed 19 home runs and only the previously mentioned Guardians have allowed fewer round-trippers. This all can be attributed to pitching coach Matt Blake.
Caleb Ferguson Hasn’t Worked Out
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, despite the success, the Yankees do have some needs to fill in the bullpen at the trade deadline. One glaring issue is that the Yankees are lacking a second reliable left-handed reliever. It’s unreasonable to expect Victor Gonzalez to do it all himself. New York’s offseason acquisition, Caleb Ferguson hasn’t worked out. Ferguson is currently 1-3 with an ERA of 4.95, 24 strikeouts, and a 1.500 WHIP. Those aren’t the kind of statistics that inspire confidence for the second half of the season.
Tanner Scott Is An Option
Embed from Getty ImagesAt the deadline, there will be plenty of quality left-handed relievers available. One pitcher the Yankees could pursue is the Miami Marlins Tanner Scott. Given how bad the Marlins have been, I wouldn’t be shocked if they had another fire sale. Scott is having a fantastic season despite playing for the hapless Marlins and has even proved he can close games. Scott is currently 5-4 with an ERA of 1.30, 30 strikeouts, eight saves, and a 1.157 WHIP. He also knows the AL East as Scott spent the first five years of his career with the Baltimore Orioles. Scott will be eligible for free agency after this season. The Yankees won’t have to give up a highly coveted prospect to get him.
JoJo Romero Would Be A Great Addition
Embed from Getty ImagesThe St. Louis Cardinals JoJo Romero is another solid reliever the Yankees could try to acquire. Romero is having a career year in 2024. He’s currently 3-1 with an ERA of 1.91, 32 strikeouts, and a 0.818 WHIP. However, acquiring him from St. Louis will be tricky. This will depend on where the team is at the deadline. The Cardinals are currently stuck in the middle on what to do. This is due to how mediocre most of the National League has been this season. Romero also has two years of team control remaining. He could be a bullpen contributor beyond this season if everything goes right. However, this would require the Yankees to part with a prized prospect or two to acquire Romero.
Jalen Beeks Could Fill The Need
Embed from Getty ImagesUnlike other National League teams, the Colorado Rockies will be sellers. One lefty that will be heavily sought after is Jalen Beeks. Despite playing in a pitcher’s graveyard, Beeks has been one of the Rockies’ most effective arms out of the bullpen. The 30-year-old is currently 2-3 with an ERA of 3.86, 27 strikeouts, and a 1.224 WHIP. Beeks has been the Rockies closer this season as he’s notched six saves. Jalen Beeks is no stranger to the AL East as well; he spent five years with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rockies closer will also be a free agent at the end of the season. The Yankees won’t have to give up a prized prospect to put him in pinstripes. With Beeks being an effective pitcher in Colorado and playing in the AL East before, the transition shouldn’t be hard.
Acquiring Another Lefty Reliever Is A Must
Embed from Getty ImagesArguments can be made that the Yankees should pursue another infielder at the trade deadline. However, acquiring another left-handed reliever should be at the top of Brian Cashman’s shopping list. The Yankees just can’t trust Caleb Ferguson in big situations. While Victor Gonzalez has been effective, he can’t be the only lefty out of the bullpen. A serious championship often has more than one left-handed reliever at its disposal. This year is probably the Yankees’ best chance to end their World Series drought and they can’t continue to be patient. Having another lefty option in the bullpen is a “must-get” for the Yankees this deadline.
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