The New York Yankees are already dealing with setbacks before their pitchers and catchers have even settled into spring training. Key relievers are out, and the bullpen suddenly has holes that need filling. The season hasn’t even started, yet urgency is creeping in.
Injuries Shake Up Yankees’ Bullpen Plans
Chris Kirschner of The Athletic dropped the bad news as camp opened: two critical relievers will be sidelined for now. The timing couldn’t be worse. Pitchers are just reporting, and instead of refining roles, the Yankees are already looking for reinforcements.
A bullpen that was expected to be a strength now has serious question marks. While the exact severity of the injuries isn’t fully clear, the situation demands immediate attention. New York can’t afford to head into the season shorthanded, especially in a division as competitive as the AL East.
Buck Farmer: A Logical Solution Still on the Market
One name that should be on the Yankees’ radar? Buck Farmer.
The 33-year-old right-hander remains unsigned after a strong 2024 season with the Cincinnati Reds. In 61 appearances, he posted a solid 3.04 ERA with 70 strikeouts. He wasn’t just a middle-inning arm—he was one of Cincinnati’s most reliable relievers, racking up a 1.7 WAR, the best of his career.
For a Yankees team now in need, Farmer’s availability is intriguing. His expected salary of around $6 million isn’t a massive financial commitment, and at this stage, he could even come at a slight discount given the lack of movement on his market.
What Farmer Brings—And Where He Falls Short
Farmer’s profile suggests he could be a steady presence in the Yankees’ bullpen. He’s not overpowering, but he gets the job done.
- Strikeouts: 70 in 61 innings shows he can still miss bats.
- Durability: He’s been a reliable bullpen piece, making at least 60 appearances in back-to-back seasons.
- Experience: At 33, he’s a veteran who understands high-pressure situations.
That said, there are areas of concern. His fastball velocity sits in just the 28th percentile, meaning he’s not blowing hitters away. His ground ball rate isn’t great either, ranking in the 18th percentile. Yankee Stadium, with its short porch, isn’t always kind to pitchers who give up a lot of fly balls.
Still, there are ways to work around those weaknesses. Command and pitch selection could make all the difference, and the Yankees’ coaching staff has a strong track record of getting the most out of their bullpen arms.
The Yankees Can’t Afford to Wait
With spring training just getting started, the Yankees have time—but not much. Other teams with bullpen needs could step in and grab Farmer first.
At this point, there’s little reason not to consider him. The Yankees need arms. Farmer is available, affordable, and coming off one of his best seasons. It’s a move that makes too much sense to ignore.
