Yankees-Red Sox trade pitch sends $13M 8-time All-Star to New York to fix worsening bullpen woes

The New York Yankees have not had the best time with their bullpen this season, and there is no hiding it. Originally, it was some of the top arms in the pen not getting the job done.

Just a lot of inconsistencies have shown up for New York through the first two months of the season. To begin, David Bednar and few others was at least getting the job done.

“Outside of those three, it’s hard to see who can be trusted. Fernando Cruz has been wild so far this season, and has issued too many walks early this season. Jake Bird is emerging, but has shown high vulnerability in big spots, but has also been clutch in big spots and could be worth a high-leverage look. The other options, Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough are not suited for high-leverage,” LWOS’ Matthew Nethercott wrote.

Now, there seems to be no one who can consistently get it done out of the bullpen. The Yankees’ bullpen was supposed to be lights out.

“Their three main acquisitions to the bullpen from last year have been part of the problem this season. Camilo Doval has already given up as many homers — four — in 20 innings as he did all of last season in 65 ¹/₃. Jake Bird has battled inconsistency but has been better recently, pitching effectively in his last 10 appearances, covering 7 ¹/₃ innings. And then there’s David Bednar, who has struggled keeping runners off the bases — and from scoring,” New York Post’s Dan Martin wrote.

The Yankees will need to make a trade badly at the deadline. A trade for Aroldis Chapman could be on the table.

“The Red Sox are well under .500 because the offense is weak. Even in the watered-down American League, they have an uphill climb to get into the postseason. Chapman's contract includes a $13 million option for 2027 that vests with 40 innings this year, so he's not really a rental, which could appeal to some teams. On the field, a reunion with the Yankees makes sense,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

Bringing Chapman to New York would allow David Bednar to work in lower-leverage situations on certain nights, instead of being forced into the highest-stress spots. Chapman is also a veteran who can help stabilize the bullpen.

Chapman is on a $13 million deal that includes a mutual option for next season. The Yankees would bolster their bullpen by adding an arm capable of helping turn things around late in games.