New York Post | Mark W. Sanchez: The Yankees bullpen was certainly a factor in the team’s failure to win the division, but it was not the primary culprit in their early postseason exit. The front office spent the majority of their deadline efforts toward building an unassailable bullpen, trading for David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird to add to offseason acquisitions Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz. With multiple relievers hitting free agency, the unit could have a new look by spring.
Williams becomes a free agent following a hot and cold season that saw terrible prolonged slumps alongside stretches when he looked unhittable including 3.2 scoreless innings in the playoffs (though he did give up the game-winning single that ended their season). Luke Weaver struggled in the final month of the regular season and couldn’t get an out in the playoffs, but will be seeking a raise on his $2.5 million option for 2026 as he looks to follow in Clay Holmes’ footsteps and market himself as a starter. Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn also hit free agency, and the team have a decision to make on the $3 million option for Tim Hill. With Jonathan Loáisiga certain to have his $5 million option declined, the Yankees’ major league bullpen would consist of Bednar, Doval, and Cruz, with minor league demotees Bird, Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton and Scott Effross standing by as options and Yerry De los Santos and Brent Headrick still in pre-arbitration.
The Canadian Press: Trey Yesavage made history striking out 11 Yankees in 5.1 no-hit innings of work in Game 2 of the ALDS, and a certain subset of Yankees fans showed their true colors in response. Yesavage’s family and girlfriend were the subjects of abuse online following the Yankees’ loss and the 22-year-old rookie addressed the attacks in a press conference prior to the start of the ALCS. It’s a sad reality of the current intersection of sports and social media where fans feel they can behave with impunity toward athletes and their families.
Realtor.com | Charlie Lankston: Aaron Judge cannot begin his offseason recovery just yet, the Yankees captain embroiled in an off-field lawsuit. Judge and his wife have filed a lawsuit against interior designer Amanda Drew of Drew Designs LLC after the allege that she upcharged them on multiple expenses totaling $750,000 in renovations to the couple’s recently-purchased home in Tampa as well as their New York City apartment. Drew promised them below-market rates on per-square-foot design costs and furniture and hoped that the upcharges would go unnoticed, while she has filed a countersuit for wrongful termination and unpaid invoices.
