‘Have a Lot of Work to Do’: Yankees Told to Fix a Major Flaw Before It Costs Them Again

MLB analyst Joel Sherman stated that the New York Yankees must significantly improve their bullpen to avoid repeating their 2026 postseason shortcomings. Following another season without a World Series championship, Sherman highlighted the relief corps as a primary area needing a major overhaul, despite the team holding fewer concerns regarding their starting rotation depth.

The Yankees' bullpen endured volatility throughout 2026, including acquisition Camilo Doval posting a 6.75 ERA over his first 14 outings and breakout pitcher Brent Headrick throwing career-high innings. To address the need for late-inning relief and left-handed protection, Sherman suggested targeting impending free agent Alex Vesia from the Los Angeles Dodgers.