The New York Yankees have arguably been the most active team in Major League Baseball this offseason. After missing out on the top free agent, Juan Soto, who signed a $756 million, perk-filled deal with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, the 2024 World Series runners-up have been working diligently in both the free agent and trade markets to bolster their roster and make up for Soto’s absence as they aim for another championship run.
The storied franchise, which holds a record 27 World Series titles in 41 appearances, is enduring a 15-year title drought. Their last championship came in 2009, marking their only World Series win since defeating the Mets in the 2000 “Subway Series.”
This offseason, the Yankees have added free agents Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt to their roster, re-signed Jonathan Loáisiga, and made trades to bring in top closer Devin Williams and veteran hitter Cody Bellinger.
One Huge Flaw in Yankees Roster Remains
The Yankees appear to be done with major offseason moves, but General Manager Brian Cashman still has work to do. A significant issue remains: the team currently lacks a single left-handed reliever in the bullpen.
Reports indicate the Yankees have shown interest in former Braves southpaw A.J. Minter and Padres closer Tanner Scott. However, no deals have been finalized, leaving their bullpen entirely right-handed.
On Saturday, another potential solution emerged from across town. According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Yankees and the Chicago Cubs have explored signing 36-year-old free agent left-hander Brooks Raley, who previously pitched for the Mets.
There’s a complication, though—Raley is recovering from Tommy John surgery after undergoing the procedure last May. If the Yankees pursue him, they would follow a path similar to their AL East rivals, the Red Sox, who signed Liam Hendriks to a two-year deal with options despite his recent Tommy John surgery.
Unlike Hendriks, a three-time All-Star, Raley’s resume is less decorated. Just four years ago, he was pitching in the Korean Baseball Organization for the Lotte Giants.
Raley Has Proven Effective Since Return to MLB
As reported by The Athletic, Raley—who spent 2023 and 2024 with the Mets before undergoing surgery—could be ready to pitch in a big-league game as early as July.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Cubs in 2009, Raley has been an effective reliever since returning from Korea. He posted sub-3.00 ERAs in both 2022 and 2023 (2.68 with the Rays and 2.80 with the Mets) and struck out 61 batters over 54 2/3 innings during his last full season in 2023.
In 2024, Raley was in the club option year of a two-year deal worth $15.25 million, including a third-year option. If signed by the Yankees, he’d likely seek a comparable contract, adjusted for the fact that he wouldn’t be able to pitch until mid-season.
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