Yankees add intriguing bullpen option in trade with Rockies

The New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies made what would appear to be a minor trade Wednesday morning.

Jack Curry from YES Network reported that the Yankees acquired reliever Angel Chivilli from the Rockies. Minor league first baseman T.J. Rumfield was sent to Colorado in return.

At first glance, Chivilli would seem to be nothing more than a depth option for the Yankees' relief corps. He posted a 7.06 ERA and a 1.688 WHiP over his 58.2 innings with the Rockies, striking out 43 batters with 23 walks. That is not the type of performance that a team with playoff aspirations would seemingly target.

Angel Chivilli could be diamond in the rough for New York Yankees

Some traits make Chivilli an intriguing addition for the Yankees. His 97.1 MPH fastball ranks in the 88th percentile in the majors. Chivilli has been an extreme groundball pitcher, generating grounders on 49.8% of balls put in play against him in 2025. He has a 29.7% whiff rate (80th percentile) and a 29.5% chase rate (60th percentile). 

Chivilli has plenty of warts to his profile. Opponents had a .309/.382/.516 batting line against Chivilli with 13 homers in 275 plate appearances. He struck out just 15.6% of opposing hitters (league average is 22.4%) despite his high-octane fastball. 

However, the Yankees have plenty to work with. His slider and changeup generated plenty of swings and misses in 2025. Getting out of Colorado should make a drastic difference as well. If the Yankees can unlock more swing and miss from his fastball, Chivilli could prove to be a weapon in the Yankees' bullpen.