Yankees, pitching coach Matt Blake finalizing 3-year contract extension: Source

The New York Yankees and pitching coach Matt Blake are close to finalizing a three-year contract extension through 2029, according to a team source. Blake's existing deal was set to expire at the end of October. The move follows owner Hal Steinbrenner publicly praising the pitching department for keeping the team competitive and reaching the playoffs despite numerous injuries.

Under Blake's guidance this season, the Yankees led Major League Baseball with a 3.23 ERA, while the bullpen posted the league's second-best mark at 3.13. Pitcher Cam Schlittler emerged as a top Cy Young contender, while relievers Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn delivered breakout campaigns before the team exited in the AL Division Series.