The New York Yankees have made significant changes to their bullpen as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. As the MLB trade deadline approached, the Yankees acquired three new relievers, including standout closers David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants, in addition to Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies.
In exchange for Bednar, a two-time All-Star, the Yankees sent three prospects to Pittsburgh: catchers/first basemen Rafael Flores and Edgleen Perez, along with outfielder Brian Sanchez. Both Flores and Perez ranked among the Yankees’ top prospects, coming in at eighth and thirteenth, respectively. Bednar, known for his impressive 2.37 ERA this season and perfect save record, adds a strong late-inning presence to the Yankees’ roster as he continues to demonstrate his capabilities following a challenging previous season.
Doval, who also made an All-Star appearance in 2023, brings a solid 3.09 ERA with 50 strikeouts this year. The Yankees traded four prospects for him, including right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling and catcher/third baseman Jesús Rodríguez, further emphasizing their commitment to bolstering the bullpen. His successful history and lifespan with the club, under control for two additional seasons, position him as a valuable asset moving forward.
The Yankees acquired Bird for second baseman Roc Riggo and left-handed pitcher Ben Shields, adding depth to their bullpen. With a 4.73 ERA and 62 strikeouts over this season, Bird provides further reinforcement. The Yankees have been looking to enhance their late-game reliability after dealing with a less-than-ideal bullpen ERA of 4.24 this season.
In addition to strengthening the bullpen, the Yankees also focused on their infield by acquiring infielder José Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays, trading outfield prospect Everson Pereira in the process. With 34 stolen bases to his name, Caballero’s speed on the bases further enhances the Yankees’ offensive strategies.
These strategic moves reflect the Yankees’ intent to compete in the tight playoff race ahead as they finalize their roster for the latter part of the season. By addressing their pitching and bench depth, the Yankees have positioned themselves for a potentially stronger finish, fostering both optimism and anticipation from their fanbase.