Yankees face biggest offseason headache in bullpen overhaul

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees begin what could be their most important offseason in years, and the bullpen stands at the center of every decision. After another October disappointment, the club faces difficult questions about how to rebuild one of the most volatile areas on its roster.

Postseason relief success masks regular-season flaws

The Yankees’ bullpen delivered some bright moments during the postseason, posting a combined 1.35 ERA over 20 innings, according to team data. David Bednar, Devin Williams, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill and Camilo Doval all contributed to strong late-inning work during the playoff run.

That performance, however, did little to erase the inconsistencies that plagued the group throughout the regular season. According to FanGraphs, the Yankees’ bullpen ranked near the bottom third of the league in ERA during 2025. Injuries, uneven outings and overuse wore down what was once one of baseball’s most reliable relief units.

Several key contributors now face free agency, including Williams and Luke Weaver, while others such as Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn and Jonathan Loáisiga could depart if contract options or arbitration decisions go against them.

Left-hander Tim Hill, who holds a $3 million team option, is among the few near locks to return. Beyond him, there are more questions than answers about who will take the mound when the Yankees need outs in the late innings next season.

Devin Williams weighs Yankees future

Devin Williams’ arrival in New York was supposed to stabilize the bullpen after Clay Holmes’ departure. Instead, his season became a rollercoaster. The right-hander delivered dominant stretches but also battled command issues that limited his effectiveness.

Williams spoke candidly about his time with the Yankees, telling reporters that the transition “was a challenge” but that he had grown to appreciate the experience.

“At first, it was a challenge, but I’ve grown to love being here. I’ve really enjoyed my experience here,” he said.

Whether that sentiment leads to a new deal remains uncertain. Analysts have noted that kind words don’t always signal contract extensions. Williams’ track record still makes him one of the more attractive relief options on the market, and his next contract could test how far the Yankees are willing to go financially for bullpen stability.

Weaver and others uncertain to return

Luke Weaver’s 2025 campaign ended on a sour note after he failed to record an out in his postseason appearance. Despite a mostly steady regular season, his struggles in big moments could influence the Yankees’ approach to re-signing him. Weaver, who made $2.5 million this season, is expected to seek a multi-year deal.

Right-hander Fernando Cruz, who returned from the injured list in late August, showed flashes of dominance with a 3.00 ERA and 54 strikeouts across 33 innings. His strong finish might earn him another opportunity if his health holds up.

Jonathan Loáisiga’s recurring injuries cloud his status as well. Once a trusted arm, his durability has become a lingering concern. Other names in the mix — Paul Blackburn, Yerry De Los Santos and Jake Bird — showed flashes but lacked the consistency to anchor the middle innings.

Bullpen decline highlights changing priorities

The Yankees’ once-dominant bullpen has slipped from its peak years, when it ranked among the best in baseball. In 2025, the group’s 23rd-ranked ERA represented a steep drop for a franchise that built its identity on run prevention.

That decline became glaring in tight contests. Late-inning collapses cost the Yankees multiple regular-season games and, ultimately, their postseason footing. General manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone now face the task of reshaping a bullpen that can support an aging rotation and capitalize on Aaron Judge’s remaining prime years.

Cashman faces delicate balancing act

Cashman enters the offseason with both options and pressure. The Yankees are expected to explore bringing back some familiar faces while also scouring the free-agent market for relief depth.

Hill’s return appears likely due to his reliability and moderate cost. But re-signing both Williams and Weaver may prove too expensive. If Williams’ asking price rises beyond the Yankees’ comfort level, they could shift focus toward younger arms or short-term free agents.

Cruz and Doval are among internal names who could see larger roles in 2026. Their playoff experience and familiarity with the organization could offer a foundation as the team rebuilds the rest of its relief corps.

Pressure mounts with Judge’s window shrinking

Aaron Judge will turn 34 in April, and his championship window is narrowing. The Yankees’ inability to close out games in 2025 only amplified the urgency to solidify the bullpen.

The front office cannot afford another season where bullpen instability undermines a roster built to win now.

“Every game matters when you’re in New York,” Judge said after the Yankees’ postseason exit. “We’ve got the talent, but execution is everything.”

As the offseason begins, every decision circles back to one challenge: rebuilding the bullpen into a weapon again. Whether through re-signing trusted arms or pursuing new additions, the Yankees must get it right.

The puzzle pieces are scattered, but the blueprint is clear. A stronger bullpen could be the difference between another early exit and a return to October dominance.

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