The New York Yankees have acted quickly to address an immediate need in their bullpen. With the start of spring training underway, the team revealed that two key relievers would be unavailable for a period of time, creating a gap that needs to be filled as they prepare for the upcoming season. This news came as a blow to Yankees fans, who had hoped for a smooth transition into the new season without any major setbacks.
Despite the challenge, the Yankees are not without options. Even with the season approaching, several experienced relievers remain on the market, and the Yankees have been exploring possibilities to reinforce their pitching staff. This included keeping an eye on a particular arm that could prove to be an excellent addition to the bullpen.
In a move to bolster their pitching depth, the Yankees have officially signed Buck Farmer, a veteran reliever who had an impressive 2024 season with the Cincinnati Reds. Farmer, who pitched in 61 games last year, posted a solid 3.04 ERA with 70 strikeouts. His performance earned him the best WAR of his career, highlighting his value as a dependable and efficient option out of the bullpen.
Although Farmer will turn 34 in the coming days, his skill set remains strong, and the Yankees could be a major beneficiary of his services. While he doesn’t possess elite velocity—ranking in the 28th percentile for fastball speed—he’s known for his control and ability to induce weak ground balls, making him an effective pitcher despite his lack of overwhelming stuff.
This skill set could work well with the Yankees’ defense, as his infielders are well-equipped to handle such contact. Farmer’s contract for 2025 is projected to be around $6 million, and with the market for him quieting as spring training progresses, it’s possible the Yankees were able to secure him for a bit less. This move strengthens their bullpen and gives them a solid, reliable arm for the upcoming season.
