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2025 Bullpen The Yankees’ bullpen was horrific in 2025, ranking 23rd in MLB in bullpen ERA. While other numbers, like ranking 12th in strikeouts, looked good, there was one issue that plagued the ‘pen in 2025 – walks. Yankee relievers had a 9.7% walk rate in 2025, according to Fangraphs, ranking as the ninth highest in baseball. Giving away that many free passes is just a recipe for disaster. The ‘pen also lacked firepower, with their average fastball velocity sitting at 94 mph, according to Fangraphs. Velocity is a good tool out of the bullpen to keep hitters off balance. Options for 2026 The Yankees have about four spots open in their bullpen, with the team expected to pick up lefty Tim Hill’s $5 million club option. New York will likely add a few outside bullpen additions at the top of the market, but they will also hunt for low-cost relievers with high upside that the pitching lab can turn into weapons. The Yankees could also target Devin Williams, who, after a shaky start, was one of their most reliable options out of the bullpen late in the season. Williams will have a market, and the Yankees likely won’t overextend themselves to bring him back. One intriguing option is Danny Coulombe, a lefty who posted a 2.30 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 43 innings between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers in 2025. The Yankees did pursue Coulombe before the 2025 season, but they lost him to Minnesota. Another benefit to adding Coulombe, or someone like him, is that he is a lefty, something the Yankees need more of in their bullpen. In 2025, the only lefty reliever who was with the team all season was Tim Hill. Adding at least one more mainstay lefty would make the whole outlook of the Yankees’ bullpen different. Starting Pitching Adding to the starting staff should be something on the Yankees’ radar this offseason, but not their top priority. If the Yankees are going to add a big-time starter, it’s more likely to happen through trade. They probably won’t heavily pursue Tarik Skubal beyond doing their due diligence. This is because Skubal will likely still hit free agency after 2026, given he is a Boras client. Instead of giving up collateral for a one-year rental, the Yankees could just go after him next offseason. One name they could target is Sandy Alcántara from the Miami Marlins. Alcántara had an up-and-down 2025 season coming off Tommy John surgery. However, in the second half, he posted a 3.33 ERA in 83 ⅔ innings pitched. Alcántara is two seasons removed from winning the National League Cy Young Award. He would come with some control, with the 2026 season and a club option for the 2027 season at a low cost for a starter. The Yankees and Marlins talked right up until the trade deadline in July, but couldn’t agree on a deal. If the Yankees trade for Alcántara this offseason, it wouldn’t be a surprise—and it would immediately strengthen their starting rotation. With Gerrit Cole not set to return till May or June, at the earliest, the Yankees are going to need a top-end starter to get them through. Not to mention, nobody knows what Cole is going to look like when he does return to the mound. The moral of the story is the Yankees have work to do this offseason. The Yankees need to go full force in an effort not to waste more of Judge’s prime. It’s time for the Evil Empire’s reign to return.
