It turns out the bullpen couldn’t quite hold off the Yankees’ struggles.
Throughout most of the season, what has typically been a strong point for the team seemed to threaten their success instead.
In July, the relief pitchers experienced significant issues.
General manager Brian Cashman made several moves at the trade deadline in hopes of creating a powerful bullpen, but that potential was never fully realized.
By October, the depth they hoped for just wasn’t there, as Luke Weaver grappled with pitch consistency and necessary adjustments.
The trust placed in manager Aaron Boone’s go-to group—David Bednar, Devin Williams, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, and Camilo Doval—resulted in a strong performance, allowing only 3 earned runs (with a 1.35 ERA) over 20 playoff innings. This was notably better compared to a rotation that struggled after a loss to the Blue Jays in the Division Series.
“It’s a talented group,” Bednar commented during the wild-card series against the Red Sox. “I think we just found a way.”
As the Yankees face potential departures this winter, they’ll need to keep finding ways to succeed.
Weaver, after two solid seasons, is now a free agent and likely to command a decent salary elsewhere.
He has the ability to market himself as a starter, much like Clay Holmes did effectively.
Whichever way it goes, his earnings will surpass the $2.5 million from his 2025 club option.
Williams enters the exhibition games following a season full of ups and downs—starting poorly, losing his late-game role, but ultimately pitching well as a setup man. He recorded 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the postseason.
That rough patch included a critical two-run single hit by Nathan Rooks after an error by Jazz Chisholm Jr. in Game 4 against Toronto.
“Honestly, my season was pretty good,” Williams reflected, mentioning that despite finishing with a 4.79 ERA, his strikeout and walk rates were notably high. “I feel like I was able to contribute.”
He acknowledged taking on the role with the Yankees was a “challenge,” yet expressed he’d welcome a continuation.
The Yankees are at risk of losing key relievers like Weaver and Williams, while also facing free agency with others like Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn.
Jonathan Loaisiga is another potential departure, contingent on the Yankees deciding on his $5 million option.
They also have the option to re-sign Hill for $3 million.
Hill would return to a core group alongside Bednar, Doval, and Cruz.
Mark Leiter Jr. might incur around $3 million in arbitration if a contract is finalized.
Additional arbitration matters involve Jake Bird, Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, and Scott Efros, who has shown signs of improvement in Triple-A after struggling following a trade from Colorado.
The current bullpen has some depth but lacks standout talent.
Doval is likely their most promising option to transition the ball to Bednar. He was an All-Star with the Giants in 2023 and had a rocky time in the Bronx following a mid-season trade.
Despite posting a 6.59 ERA in his first six weeks with the Yankees, he ended the regular season strong without allowing any runs in his last six appearances.
In October, he conceded just one run over 3¹/₃ innings.
“I feel like he’s getting to a good place where he’s confident in his role,” pitching coach Matt Blake said, highlighting Doval’s progress in adjusting to his new strategy with the Yankees. “He’s confident and aggressive. That’s the positive version of Camilo.”
The pressing question remains: Will he be reliable enough to reclaim his spot as the second most trusted reliever? The Yankees certainly have a lot to figure out this offseason.
