Following the annual general manager meetings, the New York Yankees are turning their attention to roster improvements, with the bullpen emerging as the primary focus according to general manager Brian Cashman in an interview with MLB.com reported by Bryan Hoch.
Bullpen Remodeling and Free Agency
Cashman stated that two of the main pitchers who handled the eighth and ninth innings have departed, as Paul Blackburn and David Bednar are currently free agents. The Yankees executive noted that the organization has significant work ahead and is casting a wide net to address the pitching shortage.
Potential solutions involve bringing back free agents such as Bednar, Blackburn, Tim Hill, and Jonathan Loáisiga. The team is also considering Adrian Morejon, a pitcher connected to the club during his tenure with the Padres last season, while secondary targets for improvement include second base, catcher, and third base.
Infield Options and Roster Concerns
Addressing third base rumors, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon linked the Yankees to Alec Bohm, as reported by Chris Kirschner for The Athletic. However, Kirschner expressed doubts regarding Bohm as a viable answer, pointing out below-average batting performance last year and defensive struggles at the hot corner since his 2020 debut.
While Bohm offers a right-handed bat for platoon situations, Kirschner argued that financial resources would be better directed toward pursuing other options like Teruaki Sato, Corey Seager, or Isaac Paredes. Matthew Roberson of FanGraphs analyzed broader roster issues following another early postseason exit, highlighting an aging core, a weak farm system, and a diminished coaching staff as core obstacles.
Roberson noted that outside of Paul Goldschmidt, the organization has not added a major impact free-agent position player since DJ LeMahieu signed prior to the 2019 season. The analysis suggests that skipping a significant lineup addition this offseason could prolong the team’s championship drought for another year.
