Ex-Yankees Fireballer Floated As Reunion Candidate For New York In Free Agency

Should the Yankees have a reunion with the fireballer this offseason in free agency?

The New York Yankees had the best bullpen in baseball in 2023 but one of their most steady arms could be playing elsewhere next season.

Wandy Peralta was acquired by the Yankees during the 2021 season and has been extremely dependable ever since. Peralta made 46 appearances with New York in 2021 and compiled a 2.95 ERA. He followed it up with a 2.72 ERA in 56 outings in 2022 and a 2.83 ERA in 2023 across 63 appearances. 

The fireballer is a free agent this offseason and could sign anywhere, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand mentioned Peralta as a reunion candidate.

"Since being traded to the Yankees during the 2021 season, Peralta has been a steady presence from the left side in New York’s bullpen, posting a 2.83 ERA in 63 appearances for the Yankees," Feinsand said. "Peralta is highly effective against lefties (.483 OPS in 2023) and good enough against righties (.758 OPS), so New York isn’t afraid to use him at any spot in a game."

It certainly would make sense for the Yankees to bring Peralta back into the fold. New York had the best bullpen in baseball and he was a major reason why. He was a steady arm and although the Yankees didn't have the season they hoped, Peralta was a bright spot. 

New York will be aiming to improve the starting rotation and middle of the lineup this offseason but certainly should look into retaining Peralta for the foreseeable future.