The Yankees have quickly reshaped their bullpen depth, adding two left-handed relievers to their 40-man roster within a week.
On Tuesday, the team claimed Brent Headrick off waivers from the Twins, just days after re-signing free agent Tim Hill. The move coincided with the official report date for pitchers and catchers at spring training.
Headrick, 27, is a 6-foot-6 left-hander with 15 career big-league appearances, 14 of which came in 2023 with Minnesota. His arsenal includes a fastball averaging 90-91 mph, complemented by a slider and a changeup. However, his 2024 campaign was largely derailed by a forearm strain that sidelined him from April 8 to September 4.
Now healthy, Headrick will compete for a bullpen role this spring, aiming to secure one of the three remaining openings in what is expected to be an eight-man relief corps.
Yankees’ bullpen competition heats up
With Jake Cousins injured and his status for Opening Day uncertain, the Yankees have just five relievers considered locks for the roster: new closer Devin Williams, 2024 breakout performer Luke Weaver, trade acquisition Fernandez Cruz, Ian Hamilton, and Hill.
Veteran Mark Leiter Jr. is also a strong candidate to retain his spot, while Marcus Stroman—signed as a starter—could begin the season in the bullpen if the Yankees’ rotation remains intact and he is not traded.
If the Yankees opt to carry two left-handers, Headrick will have to outperform non-roster invitees Tyler Matzek and Brandon Leibrandt.
Matzek, whom the Yankees are particularly high on, owns a career 3.72 ERA over 168 games with the Rockies (2014-15) and Braves (2020-22, 2024). Leibrandt, meanwhile, has a 5.28 ERA across brief stints with the Marlins (2020) and Reds (2024).
Right-handers Scott Effross, JT Brubaker, Yoendrys Gomez, and Will Warren are also competing for spots, with Brubaker and Gomez facing added pressure as they are out of minor-league options.
To make room for Headrick on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Owen White for assignment. The move comes just a week after the Yankees had claimed White off waivers from the Reds.
As spring training unfolds, Headrick’s performance will determine whether he can break camp with the team or begin the season as bullpen depth in Triple-A.
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