The New York Yankees entered the 2025 season aware of a few potential pitching challenges, but the early struggles of their bullpen have been a surprise. Just seven games in, the relief unit has already become a major concern, creating additional pressure on the lineup to deliver big offensive numbers every night.
Missing Key Arms Early On This isn’t the bullpen the Yankees envisioned for the season. Several key relievers, including Jonathan Loáisiga, Jake Cousins, and Ian Hamilton, are still sidelined with injuries.
Hamilton has recently started a rehab stint in Triple-A, and his return could be a game-changer, given his ability to generate strikeouts and weak contact. However, until these players return, manager Aaron Boone is left to manage a bullpen that hasn’t yet found its rhythm.
Key Pieces Struggling What’s most concerning is that the struggles aren’t limited to the less experienced arms—it’s some of the Yankees’ most trusted options who are faltering.
Mark Leiter Jr. has posted a rough 8.10 ERA, allowing hard contact and struggling with his signature splitter. Tim Hill, expected to be a key left-handed option, holds a 7.71 ERA, and Fernando Cruz, who impressed early with his splitter after coming over in the Jose Trevino trade, sits at 7.36.
These three were meant to provide solid support leading to closer Devin Williams, but instead, they’re digging holes that the Yankees’ offense is being asked to dig them out of almost every game.
Ryan Yarbrough’s Struggles Ryan Yarbrough, another key addition, has also faced major difficulties. The left-hander, brought in for his versatility as a long reliever and spot starter, has posted a shocking 21.60 ERA in limited innings. His most recent appearance saw him give up a grand slam against Arizona, and with each outing, he looks further from the reliable, soft-contact pitcher the Yankees had hoped for.
Offensive Pressure Building Due to the bullpen’s struggles, the Yankees’ offense has been forced into overdrive. While the team has scored enough to stay competitive most nights, relying on the bats to overcome shaky bullpen performances is not a sustainable long-term strategy.
Eventually, the offense will cool off, and when that happens, the bullpen issues could become even more glaring.
Reinforcements Needed Historically, the Yankees have prided themselves on one of the deepest bullpens in baseball, but right now, they rank 22nd in bullpen ERA. This is more than just a small issue—it’s a major red flag.
The return of Hamilton will help, and Loáisiga, when healthy, is one of the most dominant arms in the game. Cousins also provides much-needed swing-and-miss potential.
Until these key relievers return, the Yankees are relying on their offense to cover up the bullpen’s flaws. The talent is there, but the margin for error is shrinking—and the season is still in its early stages.
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