The Yankees' Bullpen Acquisition: A Major Liability

The Yankees' bullpen woes

The New York Yankees have long been one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball, but their bullpen has been a major source of frustration for fans in recent years. In 2022, the Yankees bullpen ranked 26th in the league in ERA (4.55) and 25th in WHIP (1.38). This was a major factor in the team's disappointing season, as they finished with a record of 99-63 and lost in the ALDS to the Houston Astros.

The Yankees made a number of moves to address their bullpen issues in the offseason, including signing free agent relievers Tommy Kahnle and Lucas Luetge. However, these moves have not paid off so far in 2023, as the Yankees bullpen ranks 29th in the league in ERA (5.06) and 28th in WHIP (1.52).

The impact of a weak bullpen

A weak bullpen can have a devastating impact on a team's success. Relievers are responsible for protecting leads in the late innings, and when they are unable to do so, it can cost their team the game. In 2022, the Yankees lost 15 games in which they led after the seventh inning. This was the most such losses in the league.

A weak bullpen can also lead to a team's starters being overworked. When relievers are unable to get outs, starters are often forced to pitch deeper into games than they should. This can lead to fatigue and injuries, which can further hurt a team's chances of success.

The Yankees' path forward

The Yankees need to find a way to fix their bullpen if they want to be a contender in 2023. They could make further moves in the trade market, or they could give some of their younger relievers a chance to prove themselves. Whatever they do, they need to find a way to get more consistent performances from their bullpen.

Here are some specific things the Yankees could do to improve their bullpen:

• Sign a top-tier closer.
• Trade for a proven reliever.
• Give some of their younger relievers a chance to start.
• Make some adjustments to their pitching philosophy.

The Yankees have a lot of work to do to fix their bullpen, but it is not impossible. If they can find a way to get more consistent performances from their relievers, they will be a much more dangerous team in 2023.