The New York Yankees have been making quiet adjustments to strengthen their roster ahead of what is expected to be a busy offseason. After last Friday’s non-tender deadline, the team decided to release Jon Berti and Tim Mayza, freeing up nearly $8 million in salary. This additional financial flexibility gives the Yankees room to make further improvements as they address key areas of need.
Grisham Returns on One-Year Deal
One of the key moves was retaining former Gold Glove outfielder Trent Grisham. The Yankees avoided arbitration by signing him to a one-year, $5 million contract. Grisham brings defensive reliability and much-needed depth to the outfield, an important position for the Yankees as they anticipate potential roster changes.
Yankees Taking a Chance on JT Brubaker
In another low-key move, the Yankees signed 31-year-old right-handed reliever JT Brubaker. Injuries have hindered Brubaker’s career in recent years, limiting his MLB appearances since 2022. That season, he made 144 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 4.69 ERA. Although he was primarily a starter, the Yankees plan to use him as a long reliever.
In 2023, Brubaker’s time was limited to just 16.2 innings in the Yankees’ minor league system, including 6.2 innings at Triple-A with a 4.05 ERA. Despite the limited action, the Yankees believe in his potential, especially with his repertoire of a sinker, slider, and curveball.
A Closer Look at Brubaker’s Arsenal
Brubaker’s sinker, which averaged 93 mph, was his most frequently used pitch with the Pirates. In 2022, it allowed a .283 batting average and a .434 slugging percentage, indicating room for improvement. However, with the guidance of the Yankees’ pitching development team, led by Matt Blake, Brubaker’s sinker could become more effective with adjustments, as it already shows good horizontal movement.
The slider is another promising pitch in Brubaker’s arsenal. In 2022, it generated a 34.3-inch vertical drop, suggesting it has potential as a swing-and-miss offering. If the Yankees can refine its movement and pair it well with his sinker, Brubaker could prove to be a valuable depth piece for the bullpen.
Addressing the Bullpen Void
While the Yankees have a track record of finding hidden gems, Brubaker alone won’t be sufficient to fill the gaps left by the departures of Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle. Holmes, who led the team in saves last season, and Kahnle, a dependable veteran, leave significant voids in high-leverage situations.
General manager Brian Cashman is expected to target a proven relief arm to bolster the bullpen. While the Yankees have been successful in developing pitchers internally, acquiring an experienced closer or setup man will be vital to maintaining the bullpen’s effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees’ recent moves indicate their intention to reshape the roster while maintaining financial flexibility. By non-tendering Berti and Mayza, they’ve freed up resources for more significant upgrades. Grisham’s return adds defensive depth, while Brubaker represents a low-risk, high-reward option in their ongoing effort to reinforce the bullpen.
