Every team has an Achilles’ heel, and for the 2025 New York Yankees, it’s their bullpen. Despite beating the Boston Red Sox 4-1 on Friday, this game highlighted what is now commonplace in the Bronx. After six no-hit innings from Luis Gil, Aaron Boone turned the ball over to reliever Fernando Cruz. But on just his ninth pitch of the game, Cruz gave up a solo home run to Nate Eaton. The Yankees still held on to win, but the disparity between New York’s starting and bullpen pitching was put on full display once again.
Of all teams currently in playoff position, the Yankees have the highest bullpen ERA. Their 4.52 mark only trails teams like the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, clubs that haven’t sniffed contention in years. The Yankees have arguably the best offense in the league, and their starting pitching is excellent. However, when it comes to the bullpen, it’s been a different story.
Starting Pitching
When the Yankees announced that Gerrit Cole would miss all of 2025, New York’s starting pitching presumably became its biggest weakness. But what was once their biggest weakness has become their biggest strength. Yankee starters have an ERA of 3.63, a number that sits as the fourth-best mark in baseball. While Carlos Rodon and Max Fried have established a consistent one-two punch, Will Warren and Cam Schlittler have turned into two dependable starters. With the postseason approaching, the Yankees have a tough rotation decision to make, especially considering how well Gil has performed since his return.
Relief Pitching
Coincidentally, many viewed the Yankees’ bullpen as their biggest strength before the season. After Luke Weaver’s career resurgence in 2024, New York acquired Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers to pair with Mark Leiter. Unfortunately, Williams has been a shell of himself all season, while Leiter has pitched to a 5.32 ERA and a -0.9 WAR. At the trade deadline, the Yankees revamped their bullpen and acquired Camilo Doval, David Bednar, and Jake Bird. Bednar has been great, but Doval and Bird haven’t. Doval has allowed 10 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings, while Bird lasted just three games with the Yankees before being optioned to Triple-A.
The Looming Postseason
Outside of Weaver, Bednar, and Tim Hill, it’s hard to trust any of the Yankees’ bullpen arms. Sure, Williams and Doval have had fine stretches, but their inconsistent play has hurt the team. The Yankees’ postseason success last year was in large part due to their bullpen. In 14 playoff games, the group pitched to an impressive 2.67 ERA. If the Yankees want to defend their American League pennant, their bullpen must be on its A-game.
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