As we close in on the 2025 season, and with new pitching additions, Max Fried and Devin Williams, there is still a gaping hole in the reliever core – a reliable left-handed reliever.
A gap the Yankees couldn’t fill
When Wandy Peralta departed for San Diego on a four-year, $16.5 million deal in early 2024, the Yankees lost a proven asset. Over his tenure in the Bronx, Peralta had established himself as a go-to reliever, especially in high-leverage situations.
During his time with the Yankees (2021-2023), his record stands:
- Appearances: 154 games
- ERA: 2.93
- WHIP: 1.15
- Opponent’s Batting Average: .210
- Key strength: Held left-handed hitters to a .138 average in 2023
Despite these numbers, the Yankees did not extend a formal offer to retain him, citing their focus on financial flexibility. That flexibility led to a restructured bullpen that leaned heavily on right-handed pitchers, leaving the Yankees vulnerable against lefty-heavy lineups. Throughout the season, this approach created tactical challenges, particularly in divisional matchups against teams with potent left-handed bats.
The World Series moment
In Game 1 of the World Series, the Yankees found themselves in a precarious situation. Clinging to a slim lead, Aaron Boone turned to Nestor Cortes in the 10th inning to face Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded. The decision raised eyebrows, as Cortes, a converted starter, was not accustomed to high-leverage relief situations. The result? A towering grand slam that flipped the game and ultimately positioned the Dodgers to win the series in 5.
It’s hard not to wonder: Would Wandy Peralta have been the better option in that moment? A pitcher accustomed to such situations, Peralta’s ability to induce weak contact and his proven track record against left-handed hitters might have altered the outcome. Instead, the Yankees’ reliance on an out-of-position starter underscored the glaring hole left by Peralta’s departure.
Looking at the larger picture, the Yankees’ bullpen usage throughout the series revealed their lack of situational flexibility. Without a specialized left-handed reliever, Boone often found himself choosing between stretching his reliable righties or asking pitchers to work outside their typical roles. The stats tell the story: Yankees relievers faced 42 left-handed batters in high-leverage situations during the series, with right-handed pitchers handling 38 of those matchups.
Peralta’s 2024 season in San Diego
While the Yankees scrambled to fill their bullpen gaps, Peralta put together a solid season with the Padres. Appearing in 46 games, he recorded a 3.99 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, providing stability in the Padres’ bullpen. Though not as dominant as his 2023 campaign, Peralta’s experience and consistency were exactly what the Yankees lacked.
The roster construction question
The decision to move forward without Peralta reflected a larger philosophical shift in bullpen construction across baseball. Many teams have moved away from specialized relievers, preferring pitchers who can handle batters from both sides effectively. The Yankees’ approach wasn’t necessarily flawed—their bullpen ranked among the league’s best in several categories during the regular season.
However, the postseason often demands strategies different from those used in the regular season. The Dodgers’ lineup, stacked with potent left-handed bats like Freeman, Muncy, and Bellinger, exposed this vulnerability at the worst possible time. Peralta’s success in San Diego (3.99 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) suggests he could have provided value, though his numbers also indicate some regression from his Yankees peak.
Could retaining Peralta have changed the course of history? We’ll never know for sure. What is certain, however, is that the Yankees must address this glaring deficiency in their bullpen if they hope to return to the Fall Classic in 2025. Whether through internal development or external acquisitions, they cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2024. The shadow of Wandy Peralta—and what might have been—will loom large until they do.
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