The New York Yankees do not have any other options.
The Yankees have been searching for ways to strengthen their bullpen, but the best choices are disappearing off the market. Héctor Neris, Wandy Peralta, Keynan Middleton, and Phil Maton were all connected to New York, however they have all since signed with other teams.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Maton is the most recent player to agree to terms on a contract with a different team after the Tampa Bay Rays apparently pounced and signed him.
According to a source, (right-handed pitcher) Phil Maton is completing a contract with the Rays,” Feinsand stated. “Maton had a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Astros in 2023.”
Maton would have been a great fit for New York as one of the best relievers available in the free agent market this offseason. In 66 innings pitched, he recorded a 3.00 ERA with a 74-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio; his advanced analytics were even more remarkable.
It’s unclear what New York will do next, but it’s clear it has to do something.
This offseason, New York made substantial improvements to the team, but the bullpen has suffered a serious blow. Middleton and Peralta, two crucial Yankees arms from the previous campaign, will both be playing in different leagues in 2024.
The Yankees will now need to start over from scratch. The Yankees need to move swiftly if they hope to snag one of the still-interesting candidates available. With Spring Training drawing near, free agency has been picking up lately and folks are starting to land agreements fast.
