Matt Johnson
The New York Yankees have one of the best rotations in baseball and a lineup that is at times capable of rivaling any team in MLB. With the MLB trade deadline just a few months away, there’s one potential target an insider believes could be on New York’s radar.
Robert Murray of Fansided believes that St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien could be a top potential option for the Yankees to consider. There is an expectation that New York will again making adding to its bullpen a priority this summer.
Entering MLB games today per FanGraphs, the Yankees bullpen ranks 11th in ERA (3.51) and 18th in batting average allowed (.237). It’s been slightly better this month, with a 3.17 ERA and a .223 batting average allowed, but there’s still room to improve.
One way New York could improve its bullpen is with some internal moves. When Max Fried comes off the injured list, the club figures to go back to a five-man rotation with Ryan Weathers moved into the pen. Likewise, right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt will presumably work as a reliever when he returns to the mound in August.
O’Brien, a 31-year-old righty, could be a strong addition for New York. In 24.1 innings pitched this season, he’s compiled a 2.96 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. O’Brien also has a track record of success, as evidenced by a 2.38 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP, a 24.3% strikeout rate, and a .205 batting average allowed across 72 innings pitched over the last two seasons.
While O’Brien profiles as nothing more than a late-inning reliever, he comes on a team-friendly contract. He’s making just $795,000 this season and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2028. However, since he’s already 31 years old, his trade value will be slightly diminished.
