Two new bullpen targets surface as Yankees’ realistic Williams replacement

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NEW YORK — The Yankees’ bullpen collapsed at the worst time in 2025. What began as a projected strength ended as one of their biggest liabilities, costing them dearly in the American League Division Series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Manager Aaron Boone rotated through arms searching for stability, but dependable options were scarce. According to FanGraphs, the Yankees bullpen ranked 19th in the majors with a combined 3.1 WAR. High-leverage innings became unpredictable, and the late-game execution that once defined Yankees baseball disappeared.

Now, as the 2026 season approaches, the Yankees face even greater uncertainty. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver both reached free agency after disappointing seasons, leaving the bullpen thin and unsettled. Williams’ struggles made his return to New York unlikely, while Weaver’s inconsistency left the team hesitant to re-sign him.

Williams’ decline shuts the door on a return

Williams arrived in the Bronx with massive expectations after a December 2024 trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Yankees paid a steep price, sending Nestor Cortes, prospect Caleb Durbin, and cash in exchange for the two-time All-Star closer.

The move backfired. Williams delivered the worst season of his career, posting a 4.79 ERA over 67 appearances. Though he recorded 18 saves, he lost the closer’s job to David Bednar after the trade deadline. His four blown saves matched a career high and highlighted his late-game struggles.

The advanced numbers painted a slightly better picture. Williams’ 2.68 FIP aligned closely with his career norm, and his WHIP of 1.13 remained solid. He limited hitters to a .197 average and improved his walk rate to 9.7 percent. Yet, the perception of his inconsistency in critical moments overshadowed any positive metrics.

Under New York’s spotlight, those optics mattered. The Yankees appear unwilling to risk another high-salary commitment to a reliever coming off a down year.

That leaves general manager Brian Cashman with an urgent need to rebuild his bullpen core. Two intriguing free agents — Kyle Finnegan and Tyler Kinley — have emerged as possible fits, offering contrasting skill sets and potential value.

Finnegan’s midseason turnaround in Detroit

Kyle Finnegan’s 2025 campaign began poorly with the Washington Nationals. Through July, he carried a 4.38 ERA and looked destined for another frustrating year. But the Detroit Tigers saw potential. They acquired him at the trade deadline for pitching prospects Josh Randall and R.J. O’Brien.

The change of scenery revitalized his season. Finnegan allowed just three earned runs across 18 innings with Detroit, finishing with a 1.50 ERA after the trade. His dominance down the stretch made him one of the most impactful midseason acquisitions in baseball.

Finnegan credited Detroit’s pitching staff for helping him adjust. He said the move “unlocked a lot of things” that reignited his confidence and command.

By season’s end, Finnegan had compiled a combined 3.47 ERA in 56 appearances, with 24 saves between Washington and Detroit. He fanned 32 batters over 39 innings with the Nationals and 23 in 18 innings for the Tigers while improving both his control and strikeout efficiency after the trade.

Finnegan also reshaped his arsenal. He reduced fastball usage from over 65 percent to 58.3 percent, mixing in more sliders and splitters. The change helped limit opponents to a .232 average against his fastball, compared to .286 the previous year.

Over five major league seasons, Finnegan owns a career 3.56 ERA and has proven durable, never spending time on the injured list. He ranked second in the National League with 38 saves in 2024, earning his first All-Star appearance that same year.

At age 33, he remains a steady, experienced option who thrives in high-pressure moments — a trait the Yankees sorely lacked in 2025.

Kinley’s resurgence with the Braves

Tyler Kinley’s 2025 season (6-3, 3.96 ERA, 3 saves, 73 SO, 72.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP) told a tale of two halves. With Colorado, he struggled mightily, posting a 7.85 ERA in 36 games. But a July trade to Atlanta for minor league pitcher Austin Smith completely changed his fortunes.

In a Braves uniform, Kinley became dominant. Over his final 25 innings, he allowed only two earned runs for a 0.72 ERA. Opponents hit just .133 against him, managing only 11 hits and one home run. He struck out 22 batters while walking just six.

His WHIP dropped from 1.81 with Colorado to 0.68 with Atlanta, and his average exit velocity ranked in the 93rd percentile across the league. The turnaround was one of baseball’s most dramatic.

Kinley’s slider became his signature pitch in Atlanta. He induced soft contact consistently and generated ground balls at an elite rate. His fastball still touches 99 mph when needed, though his average velocity ranks below league norms.

Despite his resurgence, Atlanta declined his $5.5 million option for 2026, a surprise to many who expected them to retain him. Kinley has posted a 4.75 career ERA, though that number is heavily inflated by his years pitching at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

The 34-year-old’s durability has improved since his 2022 Tommy John surgery, and his late-season form suggests that his best days may still be ahead.

Why both fit the Yankees’ bullpen blueprint

The Yankees’ bullpen needs are urgent.

Boone’s constant juggling of relievers last season underscored the lack of stability. Building a dependable bridge to Bednar now tops the offseason agenda.

Finnegan offers reliability and closer experience. He’s saved 112 career games, ranking third in Nationals history. His clean health record and consistent workload make him an attractive veteran anchor. His fastball velocity, combined with a swing-and-miss splitter, gives pitching coach Matt Blake a foundation to build upon.

According to league projections, Finnegan could command a two-year contract worth around $20 million — a modest investment compared to elite relievers who earn double that figure annually.

Kinley represents a different kind of opportunity: high-upside potential at low cost. His second-half transformation in Atlanta mirrors the type of turnaround the Yankees’ analytics-driven development system often exploits.

A short-term deal worth $8 million to $10 million total could bring him to New York as a middle reliever with late-inning upside. His ability to limit hard contact aligns with the Yankees’ focus on generating ground balls inside Yankee Stadium’s dimensions.

Replacing Williams’ production

Williams entered 2025 as a two-time Reliever of the Year with one of baseball’s most unhittable changeups. But his 4.79 ERA — two runs higher than his career average — reflected a complete loss of rhythm and command under pressure.

Compared to Williams, Finnegan offers greater stability and adaptability. His consistent results across multiple teams show resilience that Williams struggled to find in New York. Meanwhile, Kinley’s late-season excellence presents an opportunity to uncover a hidden gem, much like the Yankees once did with Clay Holmes.

The Yankees could realistically add both for less than Williams’ expected market value, maintaining payroll flexibility while upgrading performance.

Signing both Finnegan and Kinley may prove the most balanced strategy. Finnegan provides experience in closing and high-leverage situations, while Kinley adds swing-and-miss potential and depth for middle innings.

Together, they would strengthen a bullpen that faltered in October and give Boone more matchup options. For a Yankees team built around starting pitching investments, upgrading the relief corps is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Cashman’s decisions on these two veterans could define the Yankees’ late-inning reliability in 2026.

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