The New York Yankees are looking to beef up their bullpen with a pair of familiar faces.
According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the Yankees have been talking to the representatives of relievers Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton, who both pitched in the Bronx last season.
The Yankees acquired Middleton from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline, which was their only significant move. Middleton, a right-hander, pitched well in pinstripes, posting a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings after coming to the Yankees in early August.
For that, the Yankees are interested in bringing the righty back for at least a full season, potentially more.
As for Peralta, the Yankees landed the lefty from the San Francisco Giants back in 2021, and he proceeded to be one of their most reliable high-leverage arms out of the bullpen across three seasons. Since joining the Yankees, Peralta has a 2.82 ERA in 165 appearances.
The Yankees missed out on elite closer Josh Hader, who signed a five-year, $95 million deal with the Houston Astros last week. As a result, they must now pivot to other options, such as Peralta and Middleton, in order to bolster their bullpen.
New York also lost one of their best relievers in Michael King, who they traded in the Juan Soto deal, but King was projected to be a member of the starting rotation this season.
The Yankees appear to be done adding to their lineup, as well as acquiring another big starter, so their next area of focus would be in the bullpen, and it sounds like they are busy trying to bring in top relievers.
More must-reads: