Rays Sign Bullpen Star, New York Yankees Miss Out Again Despite Strong Pitching Need

So once again, the New York Yankees have been caught sleeping. Their need for a bullpen addition is known to all, but for some reason, the Pinstripes aren’t showing any rush in their pursuit of pitcher. Now a market that just a few days ago looked full of options is suddenly devoid of them. To add to that, another pitcher has signed with their rivals the Tampa Bay Rays. 

What is the strategy of the Yankees? While it’s understandable that the team wants to develop its prospects, is it wise to directly put them on the battlefield? Despite having a wealth of youth, there’s a case to be made that the depth is still lacking in their bullpen. But with pitchers rapidly exiting the market, the Bombers need to wake up. 

Phil Maton exits the pitching market 

Insider Mark Feinsand posted on his X account that the RHP Phil Maton signing a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Maton had an impressive 2023. Playing for the Houston Astros – in 68 games, he had an ERA of 3.00 with a 75-25 ratio for strikeouts and walks. It was because of such performances that he was a well-sought-after pitcher this offseason. So while the Rays are enjoying this deal, this could send alarm bells ringing for the Yankees.

Even after a wealth of prospects, the Yankees lack a killer reliever in their bullpen. Apart from losing Michael King, they’ve also lost an able hand in Wandy Peralta. Though the Bronx Squad has traded Gonzalez from the Dodgers, they still have a big gap in their bullpen. But the market is gradually losing strong pitchers quickly. 

Apart from Phil Maton, recently Wandy Peralta and Hector Neris too have signed elsewhere. As the Spring Training is nearing, the market is quickening its pace. This is something that the Bombers need to pay attention to. They wouldn’t want to get caught watching while others sign their targets. 

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So now that Maton is also gone, the pitching market currently looks a little thin. However, some potential options loom large for the Bombers

The potential targets for the New York Yankees

Ryan Brasier remains one of the biggest relief pitchers still in the market. Brasier had a 3-0 record with a 3.04 ERA in 2023 and has a few suitors competing for him. Apart from him, there’s Keynan Middleton, who is also a favorite of the Yankees. Other than these two, the market looks devoid of quality as of now. That’s what makes being quick so important for the Bronx Bombers. 

So the clock is ticking for the Yankees. Spring Training is right around the corner and the Pinstripes are aiming for a strong comeback after a disappointing 2023. But would it be possible without a strong reliever leading the bullpen? That’s a question in every Yankees’ mind. 

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