Yankees Reportedly Pursuing Flamethrower After Impressive Season
The New York Yankees had the best bullpen in baseball last season and are looking to add another strong hurler to the club.
New York has drawn headlines lately because of its pursuit of San Diego Padres star Juan Soto and acquisition of former Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo. Plus, the Yankees have been pursuing top-tier starters to help the rotation.
The bullpen has seen much less action so far, but that doesn't mean the Yankees aren't trying. New York reportedly is pursuing former Tampa Bay Rays reliever Robert Stephenson, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
"Sources: Free agent (right-handed pitcher) Robert Stephenson is drawing broad interest throughout the industry this week, with the (Los Angeles Dodgers), (Los Angeles Angels), Yankees, and (Texas Rangers) among the clubs involved," Morosi said. "Stephenson, 30, had a 0.678 WHIP in 42 games with the Rays this year."
Stephenson was stellar last season. He spent time with both the Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates and compiled a 3.10 ERA across 60 outings and struck out 77 batters in 52 1/3 innings pitched. He made 42 appearances with the Rays and logged a 2.35 ERA over that stretch.
New York had the best bullpen in baseball last year but still needs to make an addition or two as it could lose a few important arms. Landing Stephenson would be a good place to start, but it sounds like the Yankees will have stiff competition for his services.
The Yankees likely will focus on their pursuit of Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto first, but don't be surprised if they turn their focus to someone like Stephenson after that.
