The Yankees' bullpen is missing a crucial piece, and with pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the clock is ticking! As the New York Yankees gear up for spring training in Tampa, Florida, on February 11th, there's a palpable sense that the roster isn't quite complete for the upcoming 2026 season. While the team boasts an impressive 24 out of 26 players returning from their 2025 ALDS squad, the departures of two key late-inning relievers, Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, to the rival New York Mets have left a noticeable void. These weren't just any pitchers; they were instrumental in closing out games.
Now, the Yankees find themselves with a gap in their bullpen, a spot that needs filling alongside established arms like David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill. But here's where it gets interesting: the free agent market still holds a treasure trove of experienced veterans who could be acquired on relatively inexpensive deals. This presents a fantastic opportunity for the Yankees to strengthen their relief corps without breaking the bank. Let's dive into three compelling names that should definitely be on the club's radar.
Danny Coulombe, LHP
An 11-year veteran, Danny Coulombe is coming off what might have been his most dominant season in 2025. He started the year with the Minnesota Twins, signing a one-year contract last February, and quickly established himself as one of the premier left-handed relievers in the league. For the Twins, he posted an incredible 1.16 ERA over 31 innings. His performance was so strong that he was traded to the Texas Rangers at the deadline. While he experienced a slight dip in performance with the Rangers, allowing a 5.25 ERA in 12 frames, his overall season was still exceptional.
In total, Coulombe finished 2025 with a 2.30 ERA across 55 appearances and 43 innings, backed by a 1.4 bWAR. He's a model of consistency, boasting a 2.64 ERA in 170.2 innings since 2021, with a strong 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. Imagine the impact he could have forming a formidable left-handed duo with Tim Hill in the Yankees' bullpen – a truly fearsome combination for opposing hitters!
Michael Kopech, RHP
Michael Kopech, a former highly-touted prospect, has battled his share of injuries, but his potential is undeniable. Last season, he only managed to pitch in 14 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers due to shoulder and knee issues. Kopech, who was primarily a starting pitcher during his time with the Chicago White Sox, found a new role out of the bullpen after being acquired by the Dodgers just before the 2024 trade deadline. And this is the part most people miss: he absolutely shined in relief, posting a 1.54 ERA over parts of two seasons and 35 innings for Los Angeles.
Kopech is a true flamethrower, consistently throwing his four-seam fastball at an average of 97.5 mph in 2025. While he has historically struggled with command, walking 4.8 batters per nine innings across 411 career big league innings, he represents the kind of high-reward addition the Yankees should be actively pursuing as spring training approaches. His raw talent and electric stuff could be a game-changer if harnessed effectively.
Scott Barlow, RHP
Scott Barlow has been a reliable presence in the bullpen for years, but his 2025 season presented a mixed bag of results. A long-time fixture with the Kansas City Royals from 2018 until he was traded to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 deadline, Barlow then contributed to the Cincinnati Reds' playoff push in 2025. He pitched 68.1 innings, recording a 4.21 ERA with 75 strikeouts. However, the issue that raises an eyebrow is his walk rate, as he issued a staggering 45 walks, leading to an unsightly 1.390 WHIP.
But here's where it gets controversial: under the surface, Barlow's underlying metrics are incredibly impressive. Opposing hitters managed a hard-hit rate of just 30.5 percent against him, a mark that placed him in the 99th percentile according to Baseball Savant. Furthermore, he generated whiffs at an elite 30.8 percent rate. Barlow has carved out a solid career as a dependable middle reliever. If the Yankees can work with him to refine his command, he could become an incredibly valuable asset to their bullpen for the 2026 season.
What do you think, Yankees fans? Are these the right targets, or are there other free agents you'd rather see in pinstripes? Let us know in the comments below!
