The New York Yankees have managed to turn their roster around this offseason. They were in so not a good position after the 2023 season. It was really a difficult situation because the rotation had no balance. The team lacked superstar outfielders other than their captain. But when Aaron Judge sustained a freak accident against the Dodgers Stadium fence, it was fatal for the Bronx Bombers in 2023. They could not maintain a winning streak. In the end, they did not make the postseason. Moreover, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. It was one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history. But it is safe to say that all those weaknesses are in the past.
After all, the Yankees landed Juan Soto this offseason. It sure did boost their outfield and offense. But the NY side is facing a crisis in their pitching department at present. They had a pretty good bullpen depth last season. But the Bombers sacrificed a lot of pitchers and catchers for Soto, Trent Grisham, and Alex Verdugo. Since then, what’s bothering them the most is not being able to buy a high-profile pitcher from free agency. Currently, the NY Yankees is battling against their city rivals, the Mets for signing Wandy Peralta.
Fight Is On Between Yankees And Mets – Who’ll Get Wandy Peralta?
The Yankees did sign Marcus Stroman for a two-year deal worth $37 million. However, they have been looking for a starting pitcher eligible for a long-term deal. But the Bronx Bombers will just look to bolster their bullpen with any pitcher they get before spring training. Now, will it be Wandy Peralta, the next buy for the 27-time champions? But the New York Mets are giving their city rivals a good fight for Peralta. Wandy is a pretty good relief pitcher who played the last three seasons for the Yankees. Previously, he played for the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants as well.
Mets are pursuing lefty relievers, and one they have been targeting is Wandy Peralta, who had a sub 3 ERA all three years with the Yankees
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2024
On January 22, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported that the Bronx continue to talk with the lefty pitcher. But they have not found a common ground yet. Lately, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Mets are also targeting Peralta to bolster their bullpen. Moreover, the lefty reliever had a sub 3 ERA all three seasons he played wearing the Pinstripes uniform. However, it is still not clear why the Yankees want to reunite with Wandy Peralta. Clearly, the Mets need to increase their bullpen depth.
The Bronx Bombers Know How To Build A Strong Bullpen
Moreover, the Yankees had a strong bullpen last year. And even if they sacrificed a lot of pitchers this offseason, not much has changed in terms of their bullpen quality. Obviously, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner heads the pitching department of the Bronx Bombers.
But other than Gerrit Cole, they don’t have a solid starting pitcher. They would need Carlos Rodon to get back to form. Until that happens, the 27-time champions are not leaving any opportunity to increase their bullpen depth this winter. Hence, they will fight till the end with the city rivals for getting back Peralta.
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