The New York Yankees need bullpen help in the worst way, especially from the left side of the mound.
While the notion of adding a flamethrower like Garrett Crochet would be the ideal addition, could the Yankees look toward a reclamation project from a division rival?
Veteran left-hander Tim Mayza was released by the Toronto Blue Jays after he was designated for assignment last week. Mayza spent 11 seasons in Toronto and was the longest-tenured player before his release.
Despite Mayza's incredible 2023 season that included a 1.52 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 53.1 innings, the veteran southpaw struggled mightily in 2024.
In 24.2 innings, Mayza recorded an 8.03 ERA to go along with 16 strikeouts and a 1.95 WHIP. His .326 expected batting average was much higher than his career .252 mark. The same goes for his 13.2% strikeout rate, which was nearly 10 percentage points below his 24.4% career mark.
The Yankees haven't fared much better with their bullpen lefties. Victor Gonzalez was designated for assignment in June, and Caleb Ferguson is rocking an abysmal 5.46 ERA.
Mayza might be due for some positive regression even if his best days are likely behind him, but he could be a potential reclamation project for the Yankees.
