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As the New York Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, general manager Brian Cashman has a lengthy to-do list. While the potential re-signing of second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. dominates headlines, the bullpen situation may be even more pressing. Several key relievers are set to hit free agency, including Tim Hill, Paul Blackburn, Ryan Yarbrough, John Schreiber, Michael Fulmer, and closer David Bednar. Additionally, the status of right-hander Fernando Cruz, who is attempting to recover from a partially torn UCL without surgery, remains uncertain.
According to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, the bullpen is not just a need but could be the entire offseason focus for New York. "Not only is this New York's biggest need, but it might also be just about their entire offseason focus," Miller wrote. Among the pending free agents, Bednar stands out as the most critical to retain. The closer recorded 35 saves and a 2.47 ERA this season, positioning him for a substantial payday. Miller notes that Bednar could receive a qualifying offer worth an estimated $23.1 million but is expected to decline in favor of a contract closer to four years and $66 million.
Key Analysis
While Bednar's value has skyrocketed, the Yankees should also prioritize re-signing Blackburn. The right-hander delivered dominant scoreless streaks and allowed only 16 earned runs over 85 innings, despite a modest $2 million salary in 2026. Although his strikeout rate was just 7.3 per nine innings, his effectiveness out of the bullpen is undeniable. With so many arms departing, reshaping the bullpen is a massive project for the front office, and locking up Bednar and Blackburn should be step one.
In other MLB news, the White Sox reportedly have 'no urgency' to sign Munetaka Murakami to an extension, while the Mets, Dodgers, and Guardians all made the same brutal trade mistake amid MVP races. Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski made MLB playoff history three times with 104+ mph pitches, and White Sox's Grant Taylor achieved a rare four-inning save. Meanwhile, Yankees' Austin Wells made MLB history not seen in 46 years with a base-running blunder.
Originally reported by yahoo.