Yankees Predicted to Target Bullpen Depth at Trade Deadline.
The July 30 MLB trade deadline is still over two months away, but for teams looking to contend, it’s never too early to start planning moves and acquisitions. After 14 consecutive seasons with an AL Championship, the New York Yankees have big goals for 2024, and any perceived weak spots in their roster are expected to be solidified at the deadline, if not before.
According to The Athletics’ Jim Bowden, the Yankees will likely target relief pitching in the next couple of months.
“The Yankees don’t have any glaring needs but more bullpen depth is always needed, especially in the last two months of the season,” Bowden wrote. “There are several under-the-radar relievers the Yankees could target from non-contending teams including Nationals righties Derek Law (2.76 ERA) and Dylan Floro (0.38 ERA) and Cardinals lefty JoJo Romero (1.42 ERA). But my two favorite targets for them are A’s righties Austin Adams and Lucas Erceg, who have been stellar in set-up roles for closer Mason Miller.”
Two months into the 2024 season, the Yankees are leading the AL East with a record of 35-17, and their closest rival, the Baltimore Orioles, are 3.5 games back at 29-18.
The Yankees’ Bullpen Continues Its Fierce Campaign
As of May 23, the Yankees’ bullpen has a combined ERA of 2.93, ranking them second in MLB only behind the Cleveland Guardians (2.52 ERA). Despite being hit with an unfortunate string on injuries, the Yankees have had fierce relief pitching all season, and with Tommy Kahnle finally being reinstated from the IL and throwing a perfect inning in his season debut, the team’s relief pitching may only just be getting started.
This season, Clay Holmes has posted a 1.74 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 20.2 innings on the mound, quickly establishing himself as one of the most effective closers in MLB. He’s recorded the second-most saves in the American League, having closed 13 of 15 opportunities, only behind the Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase (14 saves).
