Free Agent Profile: Lou Trivino

The New York Yankees have decided to decline veteran reliever Lou Trivino’s $5 million club option, retroactive to November 3. The 33-year-old had previously signed a $1.5 million deal with New York last winter that included the option. Unfortunately, Trivino hasn’t even seen the field since 2022, having undergone Tommy John surgery on May 3 of 2023.

Free Agent Profile: Lou Trivino

Despite missing two seasons, Trivino could still return to the dominant form he showcased in 2022. Acquired from the Oakland Athletics on August 1 of that season as a part of the Frankie Montas trade, Trivino had a fantastic final stretch to the year. In 25 appearances for the Yankees, the right-hander put up a 1.66 ERA over 21 2/3 innings, striking out 22 in the process, an impressive display that he hopes to continue next season as he hits the open market.

Workhorse Reliever

Debuting for the Athletics in 2018, Trivino quickly turned heads in his rookie year. In 74 innings across 69 appearances, he posted a record of 8-3 and an ERA of 2.92, establishing himself as one of Oakland’s best pitchers. Most impressively, he produced a brWAR of 1.7 in that debut season. Though the following seasons didn’t match that initial success, he’s still been a productive reliever, pitching 50+ innings in three seasons since 2019. Most notably, Trivino gave the Yankees 3 2/3 innings without allowing a run in the 2022 postseason.

Potential Landing Spots

New York Yankees

The Yankees could consider bringing Trivino back despite declining his 2025 option. This team needs to bolster its constantly injured bullpen, especially with multiple key relievers also hitting free agency this offseason. They have already seen Matt Blake work his magic with Trivino, so adding him on another (perhaps less lucrative) deal would be big for New York’s bullpen depth.

Houston Astros

The Astros’ unceremonious elimination from the 2024 postseason was because of Josh Hader, not the rest of the bullpen. Houston’s pen was one of the better ones in the league during the regular season, but they faltered when it mattered most because of their lack of high-leverage relievers. With at least four designated starting pitchers for next season, the Astros would be wise to target bullpen help, perhaps Trivino, to ensure that they don’t get swept in the Wild Card round for two consecutive seasons.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies’ bullpen meltdown in this past NLDS highlighted the only true weakness in Philadelphia’s roster. In 12 2/3 innings that series, they allowed 16 earned runs. While they do boast one of baseball’s best lineups and rotations, their bullpen ERA in the regular season was 14th in MLB. The Phillies would be wise to bulk up their ‘pen, and Trivino would be a great fit because he’s a proven workhorse who won’t cost much to sign.

Projected Market Value

However, teams may be hesitant to target Trivino because of his health and ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. According to Spotrac, Trivino will likely get a deal similar to that he received last offseason, a one-year $1.5 million contract. This is because his effectiveness remains in question, as he hasn’t pitched in over two years. If he receives a contract, he will likely play a significant role in that team’s bullpen next season.