Jake Bird Emerges as Trade Target for Bullpen-Starved Yankees

As the Yankees’s desperation for relievers grows and the deadline grows near, they may be willing to take a flyer. A new name has been mentioned as a potential fit and fix for the Yankees' struggling bullpen, according to Yankees insider Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. 

The Bronx Bombers’ front office has “reportedly been eyeing” Bird as a potential trade target. The 29-year-old made a strong impression on several Yankees players during a pair of appearances against them in late May.

"Several Yankees came away impressed with Bird," Kuty wrote, citing league sources. Bird has posted a 4.05 ERA with a 3.09 FIP across 44 appearances, along with an eye-catching 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. He’s been effective in middle relief and offers the kind of swing-and-miss stuff the Yankees’ bullpen has sorely lacked during a rough July stretch.

Bird is also cost-controlled through the 2028 season and earns just $770,000 this year, making him an attractive long-term addition—but one that could carry a hefty acquisition cost. The Rockies have not signaled whether they’re willing to part with Bird, especially given his affordable contract and potential future value.

For a Yankees bullpen that ranks 29th in ERA this month (7.10) and just three trusted options Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Tim Hill, though all three have had their inconsistent moments this month. Bird could slot in as a mid-to-late-inning bridge and help stabilize a unit that’s become their most urgent need.

The Athletic recently ranked the Yankees as the most desperate team in baseball for bullpen help, and Bird’s name is now squarely in the mix as the front office weighs its next move.