In a move reflecting ongoing bullpen restructuring, the New York Yankees have declined their $5 million club option for right-handed reliever Lou Trivino for the 2025 season, rendering him a free agent.
Trivino’s Tenure With The Yankees
Acquired from the Oakland Athletics on August 1, 2022, alongside pitcher Frankie Montas, Trivino made a significant impact in the Yankees’ bullpen. During the remainder of the 2022 season, he posted an impressive 1.66 ERA over 21.2 innings in 25 appearances and contributed four scoreless outings in the postseason.
Injury Setbacks And Recovery Efforts
Trivino’s momentum was halted in 2023 due to a right elbow strain sustained during spring training, leading to Tommy John surgery in May of that year. This procedure sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. In an effort to return to form, Trivino signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Yankees in February 2024, which included the now-declined $5 million club option for 2025. Despite his rehabilitation efforts, he managed only 11 minor league appearances in 2024, recording a 4.91 ERA, and did not make it back to the major league mound.
Implications For The Yankees’ Bullpen
The decision to decline Trivino’s option is part of a broader restructuring of the Yankees’ bullpen. The team faces the potential departure of several key relievers to free agency, including Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, Tim Hill, and Jonathan Loáisiga. This situation presents both challenges and opportunities as the Yankees seek to reinforce their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Future Considerations
While Trivino’s tenure with the Yankees has been marked by both high performance and injury setbacks, his free agency opens the door for potential new opportunities. The Yankees, meanwhile, will continue to evaluate their roster needs and explore options to bolster their bullpen depth ahead of the 2025 season.
Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.