Potential offseason bullpen overhaul puts Yankees reliever's job at risk

Coming into the 2025 season, it was predicted that the New York Yankees would have a great bullpen this year. They made the trade to acquire elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, but he has largely struggled. 

He has since been removed from his closing duties, being replaced by Luke Weaver. However, it is not only the closing role where the club has had trouble. 

Another trade acquisition, Camilo Doval, has also been struggling to stay consistent, alongside guys like Mark Leiter Jr. and Jake Bird. The bullpen has been a giant hole for the Bronx Bombers, and will likely look to overhaul their stable of arms for the 2026 season. 

The Yankees likely do not feel comfortable with their backend pitchers as the regular season winds down. While they have their sights set on another postseason run this year, it is never too early to think about next year. 

They have quite a few players who are in the final year of their contract with the club. The front office will have to decide if some of these players are worth keeping around or moving on from and starting fresh. 

One of these players is Paul Blackburn. After being DFA'd by the New York Mets, the other New York club was quick to pick him up as an innings eater. 

He has made five appearances so far, putting together a 6.97 ERA across 10.1 innings of work. Yanks Go Yard's Thomas Carannante does not believe this has been the production to issue another contract. 

"This bullpen needs an overhaul, and any continuity regarding underwhelming/questionable pieces will only set the team back. We really do not think a few more appearances from Blackburn will do much to convince the front office to keep him."

Other Yankees players the club must decide on include Austin Slater, Amed Rosario, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Devin Williams. All are on one-year deals and could be on the move this offseason.