Yankees Acquire Bullpen Arm in Deal with Rays

The New York Yankees have acquired reliever Colten Brewer in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Yankees manager Aaron Boone hinted this week that the team might be close to making a move.

Earlier this week, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggested that the Yankees were close to making a deal. 

On Thursday, the Yankees officially acquired reliever Colten Brewer from the division rival Tampa Bay Rays.

#Yankees add to their bullpen in trade with #Rays https://t.co/150z7hFe63 pic.twitter.com/91iN5aZYZv

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 30, 2023

The Rays will receive cash in return for Brewer, who did not make the Rays out of spring training, but now will slot into the Yankees bullpen.

Brewer threw well this spring, not allowing an earned run over 9.1 innings. He struck out 15 batters while walking just three.

The Yankees needed the bullpen help as they are dealing with several injuries on that part of their roster. Lou Trivino, Tommy Kahnle and Ben Rortvedt are all on the injured list. Remember that Aroldis Chapman left in free agency and is now a member of the Kansas City Royals.

Brewer is 30 years old and has spent parts of four seasons in the big leagues, one with the Padres and three with the Red Sox. For his career, he is 2-5 with a 5.04 ERA. He's appeared in 81 career games, 77 of which are relief appearances and four of which are starts. 

The Yankees won their season opener against the Giants, 5-0, behind a dominant performance from Gerrit Cole on the mound. Aaron Judge also homered in that game for the Yankees, something he did 62 times last season, which broke the American League record.