Yankees Could Steal Dodgers Star in Offseason Coup

The New York Yankees definitely need to address their bullpen this winter, as both David Bednar and Paul Blackburn are free agents, and the Yankees may not be able to retain them.

Brian Cashman already hinted at potentially losing both relievers and said New York has been asking around for bullpen help, so some turnover seems inevitable.

While Adrian Morejon will likely prove to be too expensive for the Yankees, both in terms of cost and the fact that New York would have to surrender draft compensation and international bonus pool money to sign him (the San Diego Padres extended Morejon a qualifying offer), there is another NL West reliever who could be of big help: Alex Vesia.

Vesia has spent the last six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, logging a 2.66 ERA and 1.085 WHIP throughout that time.

In fact, he has been better for longer than Morejon, and he will absolutely come cheaper.

That's because Vesia, 30, is three years Morejon's senior, which does make the left-hander a bit of a risky proposition. But he showed no signs of slowing down in 2026, posting a 2.64 ERA and 11.5 K/9 over 72 relief appearances.

The Yankees might be able to nab Vesia on a two-year contract, and it would absolutely be worth exploring — even if New York re-signs Bednar.

Cashman said that rounding out the bullpen will be a top priority for New York this offseason, so Vesia should be right up the Yankees' alley.

Bednar and Blackburn aren't the only two Yankees relievers hitting the open market. Ryan Yarbrough, Tim Hill and John Schreiber are also available, so the Bronx Bombers could definitely use a bit of a makeover in the latter innings.

New York has already expressed interest in a reunion with Jonathan Loaisiga, but Loaisiga has a very checkered injury history and doesn't miss bats like you would want out of a reliever. Vesia, on other hand, has a clean bill of health and is a known strikeout artist.

The Yankees have generally always been able to piece together good bullpens without expensive names, but that doesn't necessarily mean they shouldn't go after one of the better relief arms on the market.

Vesia is there for the taking, and it seems like the Dodgers aren't going to be spending like usual. The opportunity is there for New York to strike and steal a top player from Los Angeles. Cashman should absolutely make a call.