The New York Yankees have pulled off an interesting trade for a hard-throwing pitcher.
The New York Yankees are definitely in need of bullpen help after losing both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to free agency, and they just added a very intriguing piece in the regard.
The Yankees have acquired right-hander Angel Chivilli from the Colorado Rockies, sending first base prospect T.J. Rumfield to the Rockies in exchange for him.
Chivilli broke into the big leagues with Colorado in 2024 and has not exactly posted impressive results, owning a lifetime 6.18 ERA while allowing 107 hits and registering just 71 strikeouts over 90.1 innings of work.
However, there is reason to be intrigued by the 23-year-old.
Chivilli's average fastball velocity is 97.1 mph, which ranks in the 88th percentile. He also features a nasty slider, a decent changeup and has the ability to induce ground balls. He also posted some compelling numbers over the course of six minor-league seasons, averaging 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
New York has had a history of finding diamonds in the rough when it comes to relief pitchers. Weaver is a perfect example, and we saw how Fernando Cruz broke out upon arriving in the Bronx last year.
Angel Chivilli. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.That does not necessarily mean that Chivilli will follow the same path, but there might be reason to believe he is better than his numbers indicate.
Of course, the Dominican native will have to do a better job of keeping the ball in the park, as he has already surrendered 20 home runs thus far in his brief big-league career. His 1.550 WHIP is also unseemly.
But the Yankees are typically sound when it comes to their evaluation of pitchers, so there is every reason to trust Brian Cashman and the rest of the organization on this one. And if Chivilli doesn't work out? It's not like New York gave up a ton to acquire him.
Rumfield did manage an impressive .825 OPS at Triple-A in 2025, but he is already 25 years old and has yet to hit the majors. It also doesn't look like he'll have much of an opportunity to do so with the Yanks with Ben Rice blocking him at first base.
Chivilli is under team control through 2030 and is projected to earn just $820,000 next season, so he won't put a dent in the Yankees' payroll.