Yankees Zero in on Veteran Relief Ace: Team Set to Land Proven Left-Handed Closer
While the New York Yankees have made a ton of great additions this offseason, they’re still without a single left-handed reliever on their 40-man roster.
There’s little doubt that the Yankees will address this by the time next season begins, and they have already been linked to several lefties such as elite Rangers hurler Andrew Chafin and former Yankees pitcher Tim Hill.
However, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon revealed in a January 11 article that New York has their eyes on another southpaw who has largely flown under the league’s radar thus far.
“Free agent left-handed reliever Brooks Raley has discussed multiyear arrangements with some clubs, league sources said,” the article wrote.
“Raley, 36, had Tommy John surgery in May. He hopes to be ready to pitch in games as early as the start of July, people briefed on the matter said. Clubs known to be in the market for bullpen help, including the Cubs and Yankees, have checked in.”
The article later added, “Before his injury, Raley had established himself as a steady left-handed option in the back end of bullpens. Of the 10 left-handed relievers who faced at least 300 left-handed batters from 2020 until April 2024, Raley ranked first in strikeout rate (35.2 percent) and WHIP (0.93), among other categories. In 2023, he had a 2.80 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings.”
Spotrac projects that Raley will sign a three-year, $6.25 million contract this offseason. Given that fair price and his history of proven success, Raley could be the perfect southpaw for the Yankees to plug into their 2025 roster.
