The recent announcement of game times for the upcoming MLB season serves as a reminder that while the regular season looms, many teams, with the possible exception of the Los Angeles Dodgers, are still actively shaping their rosters. The Dodgers, fresh off securing Roki Sasaki and reportedly signing Tanner Scott to a lucrative multi-year deal, appear to be ahead of the curve. For other teams, like the New York Yankees, Scott’s signing represents another potential bullpen reinforcement off the market as they endeavor to construct another formidable relief corps.
The Yankees have consistently boasted a strong bullpen in recent years. Despite Clay Holmes’ struggles with blown saves in 2023, largely attributed to a combination of misfortune and ineffectiveness, the bullpen as a whole maintained a respectable ERA. Even in a less successful season overall, the relievers remained a bright spot. Indeed, the Yankees have consistently maintained a bullpen ERA below 4.00, highlighting their focus on this crucial aspect of the game. Their last full season exceeding this mark was in 2019, a year plagued by injuries yet still resulting in a 103-win season.
The current Yankees bullpen features Devin Williams as the closer, acquired via trade before entering his walk year, mirroring the previous acquisition of Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams, following a similar path to Josh Hader, aims to capitalize on his success and secure a substantial long-term contract. Supporting Williams is Luke Weaver, projected to serve as the primary setup man, having proven himself capable of handling save opportunities after stepping in for Holmes last season.
Beyond established names, the Yankees have a knack for identifying and developing unheralded talent into high-leverage relievers. Recent examples include Jake Cousins and Ian Hamilton, adding to a history of transforming waiver-wire acquisitions into valuable contributors. This strategy extends to retaining Jonathan Loáisiga, re-signed last month based on his demonstrated effectiveness when healthy. Further bolstering their bullpen depth, the Yankees acquired Fernando Cruz, known for his high strikeout rate and devastating splitter, a pitch reminiscent of Williams’ own dominant offering.
As the offseason progresses, the Yankees are reportedly keen on retaining Tommy Kahnle, who has drawn interest from multiple teams due to his impressive ground ball rate and a changeup that has proven highly effective against opposing hitters. Another potential addition is Tim Hill, discarded by the White Sox but boasting a stellar ERA after joining the Yankees mid-season last year. Hill’s performance has also caught the attention of the New York Mets, another team in the midst of reshaping their roster.
The Mets, while making a splash by signing Juan Soto to a massive contract, ostensibly overshadowing the Yankees’ earlier acquisition of Aaron Judge, face their own set of challenges. They lost a key starting pitcher in Luis Severino to the Oakland A’s and are navigating uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future. This mirrors the Yankees’ situation with Judge the previous offseason, although seemingly with less stability.
The Yankees also have decisions to make regarding second base after Gleyber Torres departed for the Detroit Tigers. Options include shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base or seeking a more economical alternative, allowing Chisholm to remain at third base following a relatively successful trial run at the position after being acquired from the Miami Marlins.
These ongoing roster adjustments underscore the fluid nature of the MLB offseason, a stark contrast to the more structured offseasons of the NFL, NHL, and NBA. The announcement of game times provides a sense of anticipation for the upcoming season, but it also highlights the unfinished business that remains for many teams as they strive to construct the most competitive rosters possible. The jockeying for talent continues, with each team seeking the final pieces to complete their puzzle and contend for a championship. The quiet release of game times serves as a subtle reminder that while the season’s start is on the horizon, the real work of building a winning team is far from over.
