As the Yankees continue their search for left-handed bullpen help ahead of Spring Training, they remain without a southpaw reliever on their 40-man roster—a gap they’ll likely want to address before their Opening Day clash with the Milwaukee Brewers. While Tim Hill remains an option, his unsigned status suggests his asking price may be higher than teams are willing to meet. If the Yankees are exploring all avenues, Danny Coulombe could be an ideal target. Coulombe, who posted a stellar 2.12 ERA last season, offers a combination of swing-and-miss ability and strong damage prevention.
Acquired by the Orioles from the Twins for cash considerations, Coulombe revamped his arsenal under Baltimore’s guidance, ditching a struggling four-seamer in favor of a cutter that has since become one of his most reliable pitches. Although the cutter was hit hard at times last season, it excelled at generating whiffs and securing crucial outs, ranking seventh in Run Value/100 among cutters over the past two seasons (minimum 300 cutters thrown). This adjustment fueled a dominant two-year stretch, during which Coulombe posted the fourth-best ERA (2.56) among left-handed relievers with at least 80 innings pitched.
Another key addition to Coulombe’s arsenal is his sweeping slider, a pitch rarely emphasized for left-handed pitchers. While sweepers typically struggle against opposite-handed hitters, Coulombe’s version, with its 49.3 inches of vertical drop, proves effective against both lefties and righties. His unique high arm angle makes the sweeper a devastating weapon, contributing to his impressive 28.4% strikeout rate over the past two seasons. Combined with his cutter, Coulombe can effectively attack the third-base side of the plate against all hitters. His four-seamer and sinker, both sitting around 90-91 MPH, complement his arsenal by inducing soft contact, with batters managing just a .077 SLG% against his four-seamer and a .133 SLG% against his sinker.
Coulombe’s ability to limit hard contact is another standout feature. Last season, he held batters to a .359 xwOBACON and a 4.7% barrel rate, showcasing his knack for generating harmless contact in critical moments. While his groundball rate (48.6%) is lower than Tim Hill’s, the Yankees might benefit more from trading some grounders for strikeouts, especially given their offseason focus on bolstering their bullpen’s swing-and-miss capabilities. The additions of
and Fernando Cruz reflect this priority, and Coulombe’s strikeout prowess would further enhance the Yankees’ bullpen, making them a formidable force in close games.
Adding Coulombe wouldn’t complete the Yankees’ offseason—they still need another infielder—but it would significantly strengthen their pitching staff. His sub-2.60 ERA over the past two seasons and unique profile as a cutter-first pitcher with a high release point could elevate the Yankees to the top of the American League’s pitching hierarchy. Another appealing aspect of Coulombe’s game is his low walk rate, a critical factor in high-pressure situations. The Yankees’ bullpen struggles with walks, as evidenced by Gavin Lux’s walk in the 10th inning of Game 1 of the World Series, which ultimately cost them. Coulombe’s ability to attack hitters in clutch moments makes him an ideal fit for the Yankees.
If the price is right, Danny Coulombe could be the perfect short-term solution to the Yankees’ need for left-handed relief, providing a significant upgrade to an already impressive bullpen.
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