The New York Yankees are actively seeking to bolster their bullpen by adding a left-handed reliever, with Andrew Chafin and Tim Hill reportedly high on their list of targets.
Adrew Chafin, 34, has established himself as a durable and effective bullpen arm over his decade-long MLB career. In the 2024 season, he posted a 3.51 ERA over 56 1/3 innings, splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers. Notably, Chafin achieved a 28.5% strikeout rate and a 15.4% swing-and-miss rate, the second-highest of his career. However, his performance dipped following a midseason trade to the Rangers, where his ERA rose to 4.19, and his walk rate increased to 17.9%.
Tim Hill, another left-handed reliever, has also garnered interest from the Yankees. Known for his sidearm delivery, Hill has been effective against left-handed hitters throughout his career. While specific 2024 statistics are not detailed in the available sources, Hill’s consistent performance in previous seasons makes him a viable candidate to fill the Yankees’ bullpen needs.
The Yankees’ urgency in pursuing a left-handed reliever stems from their current bullpen composition, which lacks a left-handed option. With only two left-handed pitchers, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, both serving as starters, the bullpen’s imbalance is evident. This gap is further highlighted by the potential departures of key relievers such as Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill to free agency, who together accounted for half of the team’s postseason bullpen innings.
Financially, Chafin’s recent contracts have been in the range of $4 million to $6.25 million, suggesting that a one-year deal within this range could be feasible for the Yankees. Hill’s contract expectations are not specified, but he is likely to command a similar salary. Securing either pitcher would provide the Yankees with a cost-effective solution to their bullpen’s left-handed deficiency.
In summary, the Yankees are actively targeting left-handed relievers Andrew Chafin and Tim Hill to address a critical need in their bullpen. Adding a reliable left-handed option would enhance their pitching staff’s versatility and effectiveness, particularly against left-handed hitters, as they prepare for the upcoming
season.
