Yankees, Astros, Rangers All Pursuing Same Pitcher In Free Agency

It sounds like the Yankees have a lot of competition for one of their rumored targets

The New York Yankees still are looking to improve their bullpen but seemingly have a lot of competition.

New York likely is done adding to the starting rotation this offseason. The club also likely is done adding significant offensive pieces. The only area of the club left where New York could use another solid piece or two is in the bullpen.

Both Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton are free agents and it isn't clear if either will be back in New York. If the Yankees were to lose them both, they would be significant subtractions from what was the best bullpen in baseball last year.

New York has been linked to a handful of players in free agency and one player who has popped up a lot is former Houston Astros hurler Héctor Neris. He is one of the top free-agent relievers and it would make sense if the Yankees were to get a deal done.

While this is the case, New York will have some competition as the Astros and Texas Rangers both are showing interest in Neris as well, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. 

"The Astros also joined the Yankees and Rangers in on their incumbent setup guy Héctor Neris," Heyman said. "The Astros lost Kendall Graveman, who had shoulder surgery."

Neris had the best season of his career in 2023 as a member of the Astros and logged a 1.71 ERA in 71 total appearances to go along with a 77-to-31 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 68 1/3 innings pitched.