Yankees need more than Mark Leiter Jr. for bullpen

On Saturday, the Yankees bolstered their lineup by acquiring outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins. New York has now shifted to improving its shaky bullpen.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Yankees acquired reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from the Cubs. New York sent infielder Ben Cowles and reliever Jack Neely to Chicago in exchange.

Leiter has put together a solid season thus far. In his 36.1 innings, he posted a 4.21 ERA and a 1.101 WHIP, striking 53 batters with 15 walks. The Yankees hope he pitches closer to his 2.11 FIP, as Leiter could be the seventh- or eighth-inning arm they have been looking for.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post previously reported that the Yankees were interested in relievers Tanner Scott, Lucas Erceg, Kyle Finnegan and Pete Fairbanks. New York had been casting a wide net as it sought to improve its bullpen.

Leiter will help but cannot be the only addition as the Yankees look to hold on to a playoff berth. Closer Clay Holmes has struggled recently, allowing 13 runs — nine earned — on 16 hits and three walks over his last 13.1 innings, blowing four saves in that time. Luke Weaver and Michael Tonkin have been a revelation but do not inspire confidence as the setup men on a playoff team. 

The Yankees' bullpen is better, but more work needs to be done.