NEW YORK — The New York Yankees find themselves in desperate straits with less than 12 hours remaining before the July 31 trade deadline. After watching premier relief pitchers Ryan Helsley and Jhoan Duran get claimed by National League rivals, Brian Cashman’s front office has been forced to pivot their bullpen acquisition strategy toward National League Central and East targets.
The Yankees’ bullpen crisis has reached critical mass, ranking 21st in MLB with a 4.24 ERA that ballooned to a league-worst 7.10 in July. With top-tier arms off the market, New York must now choose between paying premium prices for proven talent or gambling on high-upside potential from teams like Pittsburgh and Miami.
The urgency cannot be overstated. The Yankees aren’t as gung ho as they were, say, two weeks ago, but they’re going to backfill with at least one solid reliever.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Two-tier strategy
The Pirates, firmly entrenched as sellers, offer the Yankees two distinctly different acquisition paths representing contrasting risk-reward profiles.
David Bednar: The premier prize
If the Yankees want to make a definitive championship statement, David Bednar represents the gold standard. The two-time All-Star closer would instantly transform New York’s late-inning fortunes. After early-season struggles that included a brief minor league stint, Bednar has been spectacular, posting a 1.70 ERA with 50 strikeouts since his return.
The 30-year-old right-hander brings proven closing experience and team control through 2026, making him more than just a rental. However, Pittsburgh reportedly seeks a “top-100 prospect” in return, forcing the Yankees to weigh mortgaging significant future assets against immediate crisis resolution.
Dennis Santana: The value play
For a more measured approach, Dennis Santana offers compelling upside without the premium price tag. Originally a waiver claim who blossomed in Pittsburgh, Santana has emerged as a revelation in 2025. He would provide meaningful bullpen depth while preserving the Yankees’ top prospects for larger deals.
Like Bednar, Santana carries team control through 2026, offering stability beyond the current season’s playoff push.
Miami Marlins: The package potential
The Marlins present a different opportunity altogether, featuring a package deal that will bring both rotation and bullpen arms to the Bronx with potential to pay massive dividends.
Edward Cabrera: The rotation boost
Trading for Edward Cabrera would represent a bold, long-term investment. While he has relief experience, his current season pops up him as an excellent starting career. His high-90s fastball paired with a devastating slider makes him a dominant pitcher.
With team control extending through 2028, acquiring Cabrera would bet for the Yankees’ for years to come.
Anthony Bender: The steady addition
Anthony Bender offers a more conventional but valuable option. The hard-throwing right-hander provides immediate, reliable depth without the project-level risk associated with Cabrera. He represents a safer, more straightforward move to add quality depth to the beleaguered setup crew.
Other prime targets for Yankees
Among the available arms, several stand out as particularly attractive options for the Yankees’ specific needs.
Kyle Finnegan (Nationals)
Washington closer Kyle Finnegan has emerged as a prime trade candidate, with the Nationals expected to deal the veteran reliever ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Finnegan has performed well this campaign, totaling a 3.12 ERA and 18 saves, making him an attractive rental option for contending teams.
The Yankees, Phillies, and Dodgers were all linked to Finnegan’s market prior to last season’s trade deadline, positioning New York as a logical suitor. His $6 million salary makes him an affordable acquisition for a team needing bullpen stability.
Phil Maton (Cardinals)
The Cardinals have made reliever Phil Maton available as they field calls regarding many of their players ahead of the deadline. Maton’s impressive 2.45 ERA in 24 appearances this season makes him an attractive target for teams in need of relief pitching.
The Yankees could ship Maton to the Bronx in exchange for one or two mid-level prospects at the deadline, according to recent reporting. This would provide affordable bullpen depth while preserving top prospects for larger deals.
Market overview: Available relief arms
The relief pitcher market remains robust despite several top arms being claimed. Available options include established closers, proven setup men, and high-upside projects across multiple organizations.
Relief pitchers available:
Elite Closers:
- David Bednar (Pirates): 2.37 ERA, 17 saves, 10/10 save opportunities converted in 2025
- Mason Miller (Athletics): 3.76 ERA, 20 saves, 59 strikeouts
- Kyle Finnegan (Nationals): 3.12 ERA, 18 saves
- Phil Maton (Cardinals): 2.45 ERA in 24 appearances
High-Leverage Setup Men:
- Griffin Jax (Twins): Quality setup man with excellent strikeout rates
- Dennis Santana (Pirates): Versatile reliever with team control through 2026
- Anthony Bender (Marlins): Hard-throwing depth option
- Pete Fairbanks (Rays): Power arm with closing experience
Depth Options:
- Jake Bird (Rockies), Danny Coulombe (Twins), Seth Halvorsen (Rockies), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Kenley Jansen (Angels), Andrew Kittredge (Orioles), Robert Suarez (Padres), Victor Vodnik (Rockies)
The clock is ticking, and the Bronx is watching
The Yankees face a defining moment that will shape both their 2025 playoff hopes and future trajectory. Do they pay the premium for proven excellence in Bednar? Make a balanced move for reliable depth with Santana or Finnegan? Or take calculated risks on high-ceiling projects like Bender?
After the departure of Juan Soto, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman are probably under more pressure to do something this season than any of their peers.
The path chosen in the coming hours will define not only their bullpen for the stretch run but also signal their strategic priorities moving forward. With the American League appearing wide open, the Yankees cannot afford to stand pat while their bullpen continues to bleed the leads.
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