The New York Yankees have been connected to this strange Boston Red Sox pitcher.
The New York Yankees seem primarily focused on their starting rotation at the moment, but after losing both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in free agency, they could also use some bullpen help.
Most are still expecting the Yankees to add a relief pitcher at some point this offseason, and Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media has linked them to a strange — but familiar — option: Justin Wilson.
Wilson spent the 2025 campaign with the Boston Red Sox but has already had two stints in the Bronx, the first coming in 2015 and the second being in 2021.
So, what exactly makes Wilson strange? It's his numbers.
Take last season, for example. The left-hander posted a 1.407 WHIP, but managed to record a very solid 3.35 ERA and 2.95 FIP.
Such has been the case for Wilson for the vast majority of his career.
Wilson entered the big leagues all the way back in 2012 and has always been able to pitch out of trouble. He owns a lifetime 1.310 WHIP, which is particularly high for a top-end reliever. But he has tallied a 3.59 ERA and 3.51 FIP.
Justin Wilson. Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images.The 38-year-old's magician act throughout his major-league tenure has largely been due to his ability to miss bats. He averaged 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings this past year and owns a respectable 9.9 K/9 for his career.
It should be noted, however, that Wilson is two seasons removed from posting a 5.59 ERA, and he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022.
On the bright side, Wilson comes with very minimal risk. He would surely only command a one-year deal, and it's not like the Yankees would be paying that much for him.
Wilson has also proven he can pitch in New York before, as he also spent a couple of seasons with the Mets in 2019 and 2020.
The Yanks' bullpen was a source of frustration for much of 2025, so much so that Brian Cashman overhauled it at the trade deadline.
Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval and David Bednar figure to be the Yankees' top high-end relievers in 2026, with arms like Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn also contributing.
There is no question the Yankees could use another pitcher in their pen, and it would not be the least bit surprising to see them reunite with Wilson.