Rumors have it that the New York Yankees are still in the market for a relief pitcher to bolster the bullpen depth. Marcus Stroman’s addition put an end to rotational woes. However, the loss of relievers in multiple trades has left the bullpen depth in shambles this off-season.
The importance of formidable bullpen depth cannot be underscored. Last season, the New York Yankees’ relief corps topped the league in lowest collective ERA. Meanwhile, weeks ahead of spring training, the club has been linked to a former fireballer reliever who remains an active free agent. Amid free agency conundrum, Yankee skipper Aaron Boone endorsed the pitcher in a recent fan meet.
Aaron Boone Praises Wandy Peralta In A Recent Fan Meet!
Fireballed relief pitcher Wandy Peralta served as the Yankees’ most-used relief pitcher in the 2023 season. He posted a 2.83 ERA across 63 appearances in 2023, including four saves. However, the pitcher entered free agency as his contract with the Bronx ceased to exist at the end of the 2023 season. Amid a lack of options in the pitching market, the Bronx Bombers have expressed genuine interest in a reunion with Peralta. However, city rivals New York Mets have made a late entry into the sweepstakes, desperate to acquire left-handed pitchers. Amid uncertainties, Yankee skipper Aaron Boone publicly endorsed the pitcher in his recent appearance at a fan meet.
Aaron Boone attended a fan meet hosted by Talkin Yanks. He talked about the upcoming season expectations in length. While speaking about upcoming bullpen additions, a fan from the crow yelled Peralta’s name. Boone responded to the chant and praised the relief pitcher. Boone said Wandy Peralta has been a stud and an impactful force on the mound for the Yanks. “Wandy’s out there. Man! Wandy’s been amazing for us. He’s awesome,” said Boone. However, the manager refused to elaborate on the Yanks’ pursuit and level of interest in a reunion. Fighting with the Mets to land Peralta won’t be a cakewalk. The pitcher’s market value has soared to $9 million following the 2023 season heroics. And NYY’s luxury tax struggles are second to none. Thus, the franchise must move cautiously with respect to Wandy’s high-stakes sweepstakes.
Yankees Drop Out Of Blake Snell Sweepstakes!
The only team active in Blake Snell‘s sweepstakes, the New York Yankees, has decided to pull out. Hal Steinbrenner is irked by the defending NL CY Young pitcher’s hefty price tag. Snell reportedly asked for a nine-year $270 million deal, which was deemed ridiculous by the Yankee front office.
All the Yankees offered was a six-year $150 million deal, which Blake Snell refused. Thus, as it stands, the Bronx Bombers are no longer interested in having two defending CY Young pitchers in the rotation. Blake Snell will be required to lower his ask sometime in the future. He is unlikely to fetch a nine-year contract at a price at the age of 30.
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