Yankees Could Land Top-Tier Closer This Offseason To Bolster Bullpen

New York could land the top free agent reliever this offseason in free agency

Could the New York Yankees land a new closer this offseason?

The starting rotation and middle of the lineup have drawn the most headlines so far this offseason, but the Yankees have other work to do as well. New York had the best bullpen in baseball last season but will need to make an addition or two this winter as some of their top arms possibly move on to other clubs. One player who could be on the Yankees' radar is San Diego Padres star Josh Hader, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"Clay Holmes has established himself as a legitimate closer during the past two seasons, but the Yankees’ bullpen is in need of help this offseason, especially if the club plans to use Michael King in the rotation in 2024," Feinsand said. "Should the Yankees miss out on the top starting pitchers they’re pursuing this winter, GM Brian Cashman could pivot to a big bullpen buy in an effort to shorten games. Hader could step into the closer’s role, moving Holmes back into a setup group along with Jonathan Loaisiga and Tommy Kahnle."

Hader arguably was the best closer in baseball in 2023 for the Padres. He finished the season with a blistering 1.28 ERA across 56 1/3 innings pitched to go along with 33 saves and 85 strikeouts. While Holmes has been solid for New York, Hader would help take the club to another level. 

He likely will command a deal over $100 million this offseason, but New York can afford it -- especially if it misses out on one of the top starting pitchers. New York struggled in 2023 but still was able to win 82 games thanks in part to the stellar bullpen. Landing Hader would help the Yankees keep the top bullpen in baseball.