Not Jordan Montgomery, Could the Yankees Look at Another Ex-Bombers Pitcher to Bolster the Bullpen?

The New York Yankees may have strengthened their hitting by adding players like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, but it has come at an enormous cost. The team had to let go of much of their pitching depth to get these trades done. As a result, the Bombers who once possessed one of the best bullpens in the league need more quality right now. With the team already linked with Shota Imanaga and Jordan Montgomery, could there be a surprise reunion with another player?

While Imanaga and Montgomery would compete for the rotational spots, the Yankees desperately need a good reliever. With the market having a few good relievers available, there’s a chance that the Bombers could go after a 2x World Series winner.

A reunion on cards for the New York Yankees?

While all the talks are centered around Jordan Montgomery making a hero’s return to the Yankees, another reunion could be brewing under our eyes. 7-time All-Star and 2x World Series winner Aroldis Chapman could be an amazing addition to this Yankees squad. The pitcher could be just what the Yankees need and is highly affordable as SI.com noted, “He is a free agent and is projected to receive a contract with an annual value of just over $7 million, which New York certainly could afford. “

Chapman or the Cuban Missile has had a tremendous career. He initially gained fame due to his 100mph+ fastballs. Gradually, he became one of the biggest relievers. Chapman’s closing made the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series win possible. Due to these performances, the Yankees signed him to a 5 year $86 million contract, the highest for a reliever at that time. 

After 2016, this was his second stint with the Yankees. During this time, Chapman became an All-Star in 2018, 2019, and 2021. But injuries derailed his final years in the Pinstripes. The Cuban Missile then landed on the Kansas City Royals and then ended up winning the World Series with the Texas Rangers this year. Chapman finished 2023 with a 3.09 ERA, which shows that there’s still some gas left in the tank. The Yankees need just that in their reliever.

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The Bronx’s need for a reliever

Even though the Yankees bullpen is impressive, there’s a distinct lack of relievers there. The Yankees addressed it by trading Victor Gonzalez from the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’d love to have one more. 

This is perhaps why Chapman seems like such a great get for the Yankees. He can stabilize their bullpen for a year while Brian Cashman will get much-needed time to prepare for the future. The team is already looking for a starting pitcher. Further addition in the bullpen is all that’s needed for the Yankees to recapture their groove.

Read more: Will the New York Yankees Seal a Shota Imanaga Deal, or Are They Due for Another Disappointment?