New York Yankees Must Add 102 MPH Flamethrower to Their Roster

New York Yankees Must Add 102 MPH Flamethrower to Their Roster

The New York Yankees' bullpen has been a major source of contention in the early stages of the 2026 MLB campaign, and based on how it also looked last year, it doesn't seem like the volatility is about to change.

The Yankees recently tried shuffling the pen by demoting Jake Bird (for the second time since acquiring him at last summer's trade deadline) and calling up Angel Chivilli, but Chivilli immediately gave up a home run in his debut.

New York can try to scour the trade market, but it will be tough to land anyone of significance this early in the season.

So how can the Yankees solve this growing problem?

Well, they can always look internally, and one glowing option is flamethrowing right-hander Yovanny Cruz.

New York signed Cruz over the winter after he spent 2025 in the Boston Red Sox's organization. He made four appearances in Spring Training, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and registering six strikeouts.

New York Yankees pitcher Yovanny Cruz. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.

After watching him hit 102 mph on the radar gun in his exhibition outings, buzz grew among fans who wanted him to make the big-league roster. But because Cruz wasn't on the Yanks' 40-man roster and because he didn't pitch a whole lot in the spring, it was clear he would start the season down in Triple-A.

Now, it might be time to give Cruz a call.

Yes, it would require removing another player from the 40-man, but given the fragile state of the bullpen at the moment, it would be worth it.

Command has been an issue for the 26-year-old throughout his minor-league career, which is why he has yet to make a big-league appearance. But he has walked just two batters in 7.1 innings this year, and he has absolutely had moments where he displayed pretty solid control.

Obviously, you want your relievers consistently throwing strikes, which could be an issue for Cruz. But what exactly do the Yankees have to lose?

It seems abundantly clear that New York's current bullpen isn't working. The Yanks need a spark there, which is why I also advised sending Ryan Weathers to the pen once Carlos Rodon returns.

Turning Weathers into a reliever and bringing up Cruz could be just what the doctor ordered for a Yankees bullpen that is in dire need of a shakeup.

Yankees Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Yankees. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.