Yankees Reportedly Could Land Elite Free Agent Fireballer To Bolster Bullpen

New York could look to land one of the best relievers in baseball this offseason

One of the best relievers in baseball is available this offseason and it sounds like the New York Yankees could have some interest in bringing him in.

The Yankees have some holes to fill on the roster this offseason but the bullpen actually is one of the organization's biggest strengths. New York had the best bullpen ERA in baseball in 2023 at 3.34 and the club could get even better this offseason. New York reportedly could pursue San Diego Padres star Josh Hader this offseason in free agency, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"Hader will be shooting for the Edwin Diaz deal, trying to become the game's second nine-figure closer," Passan said. "His fastball velocity ticked down to 96 this year -- still higher than it was at his performance peak -- but it remains an elite pitch, as does his slider. His walk rate jumped. And he's not striking out as many as he once did. But for teams like the (Los Angeles Angels), (Chicago Cubs), Yankees, and (Texas Rangers), all of whom need bullpen help, he'd register as a significant upgrade."

The five-time All-Star will command a massive contract this offseason but the Yankees have the money to get a deal done if they see fit. New York has a bigger need in the starting rotation and middle of the order, but adding Hader could make sense if it misses out on some of its other targets. He compiled a 1.28 ERA across 61 outings for the Padres last season and tallied 33 saves. 

Hader has a career 2.50 ERA across seven big league seasons and certainly could help shore up the back of the Yankees' bullpen. New York has been linked to multiple stars already this offseason so it isn't surprising the club could be interested in Hader.