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Yankees' Brent Headrick Emerging as Unsung Hero in Bullpen
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Yankees' Brent Headrick Emerging as Unsung Hero in Bullpen

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Andrew Jamieson  |  Last updated Jul 25, 2026 11:22 AM ET
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Last season, New York Yankees reliever Brent Headrick pitched in more games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (20) than in the majors (17).

Across those 17 games with New York in 2025, he posted a respectable 3.13 ERA over 23 innings. He recorded 30 strikeouts against seven walks while holding opposing hitters to a .202 batting average.

However, Headrick was not included on either the Yankees' 26-man roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox or the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the decision was a tough pill to swallow, Headrick has proven himself as one of the most dominant relievers in baseball this season.

Through 52 games, the 28-year-old owns a 5-1 record with a 1.38 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 52 innings. He has recorded 62 strikeouts compared to 17 walks while holding opposing hitters to a .205 batting average.

Friday was arguably Headrick's best outing of the season. Against the Philadelphia Phillies, the left-hander relieved Cam Schlittler in the eighth inning with runners on first and second and one out.

Although Headrick gave up a single to the first batter he faced, Edmundo Sosa, he bounced back by getting Trea Turner to line out and Kyle Schwarber to ground out to escape a bases-loaded jam.

The outing was Headrick's sixth consecutive scoreless appearance and helped New York hold on for a 1-0 win.

Following Friday's narrow victory over Philadelphia, manager Aaron Boone gave high praise to Headrick.

“I think he’s on the short list of guys that have been the best in the game that aren’t the full-time closer,” Boone said.

Headrick has turned out to be a revelation for the Yankees. As New York has relied on him more frequently in high-leverage situations, he has continued to deliver. Headrick's 52 appearances are tied for second in MLB , trailing only Toronto's Mason Fluharty (54). In those 52 appearances, Headrick has not allowed a run in 44 of them.

He has arguably been the biggest X-factor in a Yankees bullpen that owns an MLB-best 3.04 ERA.

“Any time my name’s called, I’m gonna give everything I have," Headrick said. "I think it’s important to go out there with that same mentality every time. Guys on, guys not on, doesn’t matter.”

After revamping their bullpen at last season's trade deadline by acquiring Camilo Doval, Jake Bird, and David Bednar, New York's bullpen has become a strength. Although Doval has struggled to a 4.86 ERA in 41 appearances this season and Bird was recently optioned to Triple-A, several other bullpen pieces, in addition to Headrick, have stepped up.

Paul Blackburn has enjoyed a bounce-back season, posting a 2.00 ERA over 35 appearances (two starts). Fernando Cruz has impressed with a 2.51 ERA across 48 appearances, while Angel Chivilli has not allowed an earned run over seven outings in July.

While the Yankees could still seek to acquire additional bullpen help ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, New York's relief corps is in a much stronger position than it was at this time last year.

Even if the Yankees add another high-end reliever, Headrick will remain one of the biggest pieces in the bullpen as New York looks to inch closer to the Tampa Bay Rays atop the American League East.

Heading into Saturday, the Yankees sit two games behind the Rays for the division lead and the best record in the American League.

New York continues its series with Philadelphia on Saturday at 6:05 pm ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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