The New York Yankees would be remiss if they didn't place this pitcher on their Opening Day roster.
The New York Yankees' bullpen is definitely a bit of a touchy subject heading into the 2026 MLB season.
The Yankees lost both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to free agency and didn't really add anyone of real significance. They did swing a trade with the Colorado Rockies to land Angel Chivilli, but he has gotten absolutely shelled in Spring Training and is all but guaranteed to begin the season in the minor leagues.
Yes, David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz are all returning to form what should be a good back end up the bullpen, and Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn should all provide New York with solid options.
It also looks like Jake Bird — who was so bad after being acquired at the trade deadline last year that the Yankees sent him down after three outings — has a spot locked up.
So what about the last slot in the pen?
Cade Winquest and Kervin Castro seem to be the favorites, which is completely understandable in the case of the latter considering he boasts an ERA of 0.00 this spring. Winquest? Not so much, as he owns a 4.91 ERA while surrendering a pair of home runs.
But then there is Yovanny Cruz, who has looked so impressive in his two relief outings this spring that manager Aaron Boone said the right-hander has worked his way into the conversation.
New York Yankees pitcher Yovanny Cruz. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.The Yankees picked up Cruz in November after he spent 2025 pitching for the Boston Red Sox's Double-A affiliate.
Cruz hits over 100 mph with his fastball and his sinker, which makes him a tantalizing option to have on the mound. In two innings this spring, Cruz has not allowed a single baserunner while striking out four.
Small sample size? Absolutely. Enough to catch the eye of Boone and New York fans alike? You bet, particularly given Cruz's stuff.
Still just 26 years old, Cruz has plenty of room to grow. He logged a 3.03 ERA while averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors last season, although his control (6.7 BB/9) was certainly concerning.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Yankees' bullpen at the moment, Boone would be remiss to not at least give him a chance.
Boone did note that Cruz making his big-league debut down the line rather than on Opening Day is more realistic because he hasn't gotten in enough reps yet, which is fine. But he should absolutely be under consideration.
It's not common that you find pitchers with Cruz's velocity and his stuff, so it would be disappointing not to see him up with the team at some point in 2026.
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