Reinforced in a crucial sector, the New York Yankees face a challenging mission ahead in their largest domain of improvement
The New York Yankees have made significant moves to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Three relief pitchers, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird, have joined the team as part of a comprehensive bullpen overhaul.
David Bednar: A Reliable Closer
David Bednar, a two-time All-Star closer, has been acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 30-year-old right-handed pitcher boasts a 2.37 ERA in 42 appearances this season. After a rocky start, Bednar has shown remarkable improvement, posting a perfect save record (17-for-17) and striking out 51 batters with an effective curveball and a 37.5% whiff rate on that pitch. Bednar is under team control through 2026 and is renowned for his reliability in high-leverage late-inning situations.
Camilo Doval: Proven Closer and Strikeout Ability
Camilo Doval, formerly a closer for the San Francisco Giants, has been acquired in a separate deal. Although his 2025 performance isn't fully detailed in the sources, Doval is known for his proven closing ability and strikeout prowess, providing valuable experience and strikeout potential for the Yankees' bullpen.
Jake Bird: Adding Depth and Flexibility
Jake Bird, a right-handed reliever acquired from the Colorado Rockies, brings depth and flexibility to the Yankees' bullpen. Despite a higher ERA (4.73) than Bednar, Bird is under contract through 2028, offering long-term stability. The Yankees traded minor leaguers Roc Riggio and Ben Shields to the Rockies for Bird.
Together, these acquisitions aim to fortify the Yankees' late innings, providing the team with multiple dependable options to secure wins during the final stretch of the season.
A Stronger Bullpen for the Yankees
According to Devin Williams, these acquisitions have made the Yankees' bullpen stronger, giving the manager more options to navigate the late innings with a lead. These moves are intended to address the team's biggest weakness, as the Yankees' relievers had a 6.29 ERA from July 1, the second-highest mark during that stretch.
The Yankees have also recently traded for Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario, and Austin Slater, further enhancing their roster. However, they have not addressed the need for a starting pitcher in these trades.
As of Thursday, the Yankees' bullpen had a 4.24 ERA, ranking 21st in the majors. The team has faced challenges in shortening games due to injuries. With these new acquisitions, the manager now has better options to navigate the late innings with a lead.
The Yankees have acquired Bednar, Doval, Bird, and José Caballero, with Everson Pereira being traded for Caballero. Oswald Peraza was traded to the Angels. The team's new group of relievers includes Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Jake Bird, and José Caballero.
Aaron Boone indicated that Devin Williams will remain the closer. The Yankees gave up three prospects for Bednar, four for Doval, and two for Bird in the trades. The Yankees had a 16-24 stretch over their last 40 games before Thursday's win.
Bednar is controlled through 2026, Doval through 2027, and Bird through 2028, ensuring these new additions will contribute to the team beyond the current season.
David Bednar's acquisition from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Camilo Doval's arrival from the San Francisco Giants have bolstered the New York Yankees' roster, as both are known for their success in the MLB, particularly in high-leverage situations. These two right-handed pitchers, along with Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, strengthen the team's bullpen, providing a better chance to secure wins during the final stretch of the season.
