The New York Yankees are expected to pursue a left-handed reliever this offseason, a pressing need highlighted by the fact that their 40-man roster currently lacks a single lefty in the bullpen. In today’s game, having reliable left-handers to neutralize elite left-handed hitters—particularly those from powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers—is critical. This gap is likely a priority for Yankees management as they shape their 2025 roster.
Yankees’ competitors are also targeting southpaws
The Yankees are not alone in their pursuit of southpaws. This Monday, New York Post insider Jon Heyman reported that the Atlanta Braves had signed former Yankees reliever Chasen Shreve.
“Chasen Shreve to Braves. Minors deal. $1.3M if in Majors. Spring invite,” Heyman announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Shreve, 34, was a dependable arm for the Yankees from 2015 to 2018. During his time in New York, he made 180 appearances, posting a 14-6 record, a 3.92 ERA, 201 strikeouts, and two saves. However, his tenure with the Yankees ended on July 29, 2018, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Luke Voit and future cash considerations.
Since leaving New York, Shreve has bounced around the league, pitching for teams like the Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, and Cincinnati Reds. His most recent connections with the Yankees came via minor league deals in August 2022 and June 2024, but he did not return to the big league roster during those stints.
Now with the Braves, Shreve has another opportunity to prove his value. Atlanta will likely be assessing his potential to fill the void left by former southpaw reliever A.J. Minter, who joined the Mets this offseason. While Shreve’s road back to the majors is not guaranteed, his experience and past success make him an intriguing option for a Braves bullpen seeking depth.
As teams across the league continue to address their bullpen needs, it remains to be seen how the Yankees will solve their left-handed reliever shortage. With limited internal options, their focus may turn to free agency or potential trades to bolster their roster before Opening Day.
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