Much has been discussed this offseason about the Yankees' need to fill what some would say are rather large positional holes on the roster. Not much has been mentioned regarding the need to address upgrading the bullpen, and why would they? The Yankees bullpen was very good last season, finishing second among AL bullpens in both baserunners allowed per nine innings and ERA (with a below-average defense behind it) and third in K/BB ratio.
However, a number of key injuries to relief pitchers and some underperformances necessitated unexpected names to step up. Which is to say, if you had Wandy Peralta and Clay Holmes being key parts of the Yankees’ second-half success in 2021 on your preseason predictions, then you’re smarter than I am.