Here’s a bold statement: the Yankees’ bullpen might not be the Achilles’ heel everyone thinks it is. But here’s where it gets controversial—while it’s far from perfect, its potential is undeniable, and it could surprise a lot of people this season. Let’s break it down.
The Yankees’ roster isn’t exactly a finished masterpiece. They’re openly hunting for a right-handed bat off the bench, and bolstering the bullpen with an addition or two wouldn’t hurt. Interestingly, they’ve decided to kick off the season with their current starting rotation, despite knowing they’ll be without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt on Opening Day. An injury or two during spring training could spell trouble, but that’s a risk they’re willing to take.
And this is the part most people miss—while fans are fretting over the bullpen’s current state, there’s a lot more upside here than meets the eye. Yes, they lost key arms like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, and their offseason moves—retaining Tim Hill, Paul Blackburn, and Ryan Yarbrough, claiming Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft, and trading for Angel Chivilli—haven’t exactly wowed anyone. But if we focus solely on potential, there’s a strong case to be made that the Yankees’ relief corps has plenty of it.
Start with Fernando Cruz and David Bednar, two elite strikeout artists. Cruz and Bednar finished 5th and 11th in strikeout rate last year among pitchers with at least 40 innings. Bednar, especially, looks like a safe bet to thrive in 2026 after a sharp performance as the closer post-Trade Deadline. Cruz, meanwhile, had a healthy offseason, and if his splitter returns to its early-2025 dominance, he’s a game-changer. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we underestimating Cruz’s ability to bounce back?
Camilo Doval had a rocky start in the Bronx last year but finished strong, posting five scoreless innings in his final six outings and a 2.70 ERA in the ALDS. With closer pedigree and a proven ability to adjust, Doval’s arrow is pointing up. Then there’s Hill, who might not be a strikeout machine but has been remarkably consistent since joining the Yankees in 2024. His 2.68 ERA over 111 innings is just shy of Phillies closer Jhoan Duran’s numbers—different styles, same results.
The Yankees also have two intriguing bounce-back candidates in Chivilli and Jake Bird. Both former Rockies are a tweak or two away from being reliable against righty-heavy lineups. Winquest brings an exciting profile, while Yarbrough and Blackburn offer affordable, versatile innings. But here’s the real question: Can Chivilli and Bird live up to their potential, or are they just another pair of former Rockies who never quite made it?
If the rotation stays healthy and Cole or Rodón returns in May, a starter could shift to the bullpen if needed. Prospects like Brent Headrick, who impressed with a 3.13 ERA and 32.6% strikeout rate last year, and Yerry De Los Santos are also in the mix. Plus, top pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodríguez could make MLB appearances this year, potentially bolstering the bullpen.
Let’s not forget Matt Blake, one of the best pitching coaches in the game. Under his guidance, any pitcher with raw talent and a willingness to learn has a shot at becoming a contributor. Here’s a controversial take: Could Blake’s coaching turn this bullpen from a question mark into a strength?
Of course, adding a proven reliever via free agency or trade would be ideal. I’m all for it—another strikeout-heavy arm would be magnificent. But this bullpen isn’t the disaster some believe it to be. Even dominant bullpens, like the 2025 Dodgers, hit rough patches. We’re not claiming the Yankees’ relief corps is a top-five unit in MLB—far from it. But with a few breaks going their way, it could emerge as a surprising team strength.
Final thought-provoking question: Are we sleeping on the Yankees’ bullpen, or is it truly a gamble that won’t pay off? Sound off in the comments—let’s debate!
