Bullpen remained the New York Yankees’ strongest suit in 2023. In a season where the rest of the things fell apart, the relief pitchers stepped up to the rescue. However, the bullpen could only do much to salvage a rather disastrous season. Having said that, the Bronx Bombers didn’t prioritize bolstering bullpen depth this off-season.
Instead, the front office used them as trade chips to orchestrate blockbuster trade deals. A lot of relief arms were let go this off-season, due to which the depth has ceased to exist. Thus, weeks ahead of spring training, the New York Yankees are being linked to a veteran arm who previously played for the Reds and Rockies.
Robert Stephenson Floated Ideal Bullpen Candidate For Yankees!
This off-season, the New York Yankees’ bullpen depth ceased to exist in the aftermath of blockbuster trade deals. Thus, in a bid to seek reinforcements, the team apparently seems interested in ex-Pirates relief pitcher Robert Stephenson. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed the same through a piece. Stephenson, who became a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates, presents an enticing option for the Yanks. His impressive fastball and sharp secondary pitches make him a formidable reliever capable of handling high-leverage situations. The potential acquisition of Stephenson would not only add a power arm to the Bombers’ bullpen but also provide flexibility in various relief roles.
Whether as a setup man or a late-inning fireman, Stephenson’s experience and effectiveness against both right-handed and left-handed hitters make him a valuable asset for manager Aaron Boone. Stephenson’s journey in the majors has seen him refine his repertoire and establish himself as a reliable reliever. His ability to induce ground balls and generate swings and misses has caught the attention of teams seeking to strengthen their relief pitching. For the Yankees, whose bullpen has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years, the pursuit of Robert Stephenson could be a defining moment. However, nothing comes at a price. And as far as Stephenson is concerned, the Yanks would likely have to pay him $10 million for a multi-year deal. Still, it’s a cheap ask for a pitcher of Robert’s caliber. Now, it is up to the franchise to take the final call.
Yanks Have Could Seek Reunion With Frankie Montas!
Undoubtedly, pitcher Frankie Montas has been an absolute bust for the New York Yankees ever since he was traded from the Athletics in 2022. He spends most of his time in IL, battling through multiple shoulder injuries. A surgery ruled him out for the 2023 season. But Montas was brave enough to pitch a couple of innings out of the pen during the final series.
Having said that, the Yankees stand a real chance of extending Frankie Montas on a short-term deal. Apparently, the team sees him as a bullpen option rather than a starter. Owing to injury setbacks, it’s best for Montas to step down into the reliever’s role in the near future. However, nothing stays confirmed, and the Yanks are still discussing the possibility of the same.