Yankees cast wide yet focused net in search of Clay Holmes’ alternative

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The offseason action unofficially kicked off in San Antonio, Texas, as Yankees GM Brian Cashman joined MLB’s top decision-makers at the annual GM Meetings. Though typically less eventful than the December Winter Meetings, insiders note these early sessions often set the stage for key free-agent and trade discussions.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees have been particularly active in talks with agents representing free-agent relievers. The Yankees’ bullpen faces a potential overhaul, with three primary postseason arms — Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill — entering free agency. Together, these pitchers covered nearly half of New York’s 60.2 playoff relief innings. The situation is further complicated by Jonathan Loaisiga’s free agency following a shortened season due to a UCL injury.

The current free-agent market offers several intriguing bullpen options. Based on WAR metrics, standout candidates include top-class Tanner Scott. The 30-year left-hander has a 4.5 WAR. Another option for the Yankees is 31-year-old Jeff Hoffman (3.6 WAR). Other alternatives include Kenley Jansen (2.5 WAR), Carlos Estevez (2.1 WAR), and Shawn Armstrong (2 WAR). The team may also consider reuniting with David Robertson (3.1 WAR), Aroldis Chapman (2.9 WAR), and Chris Martin (2.4 WAR).

While keeping Juan Soto or enhancing the lineup may seem paramount, analysts stress that fortifying the bullpen remains essential to the Yankees’ success next season.

Yankees’ options beyond free agents

As the Yankees evaluate options to bolster their bullpen, industry analysts suggest they may look beyond free agency to explore potential trades, with Milwaukee’s All-Star closer Devin Williams as a standout target. Williams, a two-time All-Star, could offer substantial late-game reinforcement for New York ahead of his contract’s expiration after 2025. Observers highlight the Yankees’ knack for identifying underutilized bullpen talent, evident in past successes with Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, and Jake Cousins.

Recent roster moves underscore the Yankees’ commitment to bullpen stability. Following the World Series, they swiftly retained Weaver, picking up his $2.5 million club option, signaling confidence in his role for 2025. Meanwhile, they declined Lou Trivino’s $5 million option, opting for a roster change after a difficult season marred by recovery from Tommy John surgery. Trivino logged a 4.91 ERA in limited minor league outings with Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Several bullpen members, including Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., and Scott Effross, are expected to return, with Weaver and Cousins bolstering depth. Lefty Tim Mayza also remains a potential contributor as he enters his final arbitration year.

While the official Winter Meetings are set for December 9-12 in Dallas, insiders suggest the Yankees might not wait until then to initiate bullpen upgrades. Given its history, New York could make swift moves to secure priority targets, showing a proactive approach to its bullpen reconstruction as it aims for postseason durability.

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