Yankees Eye Left-Handed Relievers as Offseason Pitching Push Continues

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are intensifying their efforts to strengthen their bullpen, with a focus on acquiring a left-handed reliever as the 2025 MLB season approaches. The team is reportedly considering free agents Tim Hill, Brooks Raley, and Andrew Chafin to fill the role.

Tim Hill, who joined the Yankees in June 2024, delivered a standout performance last season with a career-low 2.05 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 35 appearances. At 35 years old, Hill could be a cost-effective option for the Yankees as they aim to bolster their pitching staff.

Brooks Raley, a 36-year-old left-hander recovering from Tommy John surgery, is another name on the Yankees’ radar. Raley, who last pitched for the New York Mets, is not expected to return until mid-2025. Despite his injury, Raley’s track record includes a 2.74 ERA from 2022 to 2023, ranking him among the top left-handed relievers in MLB during that period.

Andrew Chafin, who split the 2024 season between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, is also under consideration. Chafin posted a 3.51 ERA and 1.473 WHIP last season, making him a viable option for the Yankees’ bullpen.

According to MLB insiders, Raley has discussed multiyear contracts with several teams, including the Yankees and Chicago Cubs. Raley’s career began with the Cubs in 2012, and he has since pitched for multiple teams, including a successful stint in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) from 2015 to 2019.

“When healthy, Raley has been fantastic,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “His ability to perform under pressure makes him an attractive option for teams in need of bullpen depth.”

The Yankees’ pursuit of left-handed relievers comes as they aim to address a key weakness in their pitching staff. With the offseason progressing, the team is expected to make a decision soon on which pitcher to sign.