The New York Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman, has to quietly be kicking himself for being fleeced by the Colorado Rockies. Cashman acquired Ryan McMahon, Jake Bird, and Angel Chivilli from Colorado, and none of those trades have worked out particularly well for the Yankees, to this point. And while yes, it’s too early to make such a definitive statement about the deals, the Yankees seem like the early losers in those deals. So how do the Yanks fix these problem areas on the roster? Make some moves and trade for replacements. Yes, we realize that it’s too early in the season and teams haven’t even remotely engaged in any sort of meaningful trade discussions. However, for this exercise, we will ignore the timeline of the season and just look to fix the mistakes made by Cashman with the Rockies. This article will serve as part two of the series.

REPLACING JAKE BIRD & ANGEL CHIVILLI

When the Yankees acquired Jake Bird and Angel Chivilli, there was a feeling that these arms could infuse something much-needed into the Yankee bullpen, swing and miss. However, that did not turn out to be the case. So how can the Yankees fix the catastrophe that these two relievers have been? Let’s dive into it, shall we?

DANIEL LYNCH IV

A former starter turned bullpen weapon, Daniel Lynch IV, represents the type of arm modern front offices covet for their bullpen. His stuff has played up in shorter bursts, with improved velocity and sharper breaking pitches. The Yankees have had success converting starters into high-leverage relievers before, and Lynch could fit that mold perfectly. He offers upside as a multi-inning weapon who can bridge the gap between the rotation and the back end of the bullpen.

BRYAN HUDSON

If the Yankees are looking for a left-handed specialist with swing-and-miss capability, Bryan Hudson is an intriguing option. His ability to generate strikeouts and weak contact makes him a valuable matchup arm. While he may not be a household name, Hudson fits the profile of a sneaky, under-the-radar addition that could quietly stabilize the bullpen. This would also allow the Yankees to limit the overexposure of the recent use of Brent Headrick as well.

STEVEN OKERT

Steven Okert is a more proven left-handed option who has experience in high-leverage situations. He’s shown the ability to miss bats and limit damage against tough left-handed hitters. For a Yankees team that has struggled at times to find consistency from the left side of the bullpen, Okert would provide a steady, reliable presence. With the Houston Astros current struggles, it’s hard to envision them making another postseason run this season, thus leaving the Yankees the opportunity to try and swoop in before other teams come calling.

DREW POMERANZ OR BRENT SUTER

Veteran arms like Drew Pomeranz or Brent Suter offer experience and flexibility. Pomeranz, when healthy, brings swing-and-miss stuff from the left side, while Suter offers a different look with deception and the ability to eat innings. These aren’t flashy moves, but they’re the type of stabilizing additions that can round out a bullpen of a team with World Series aspirations.

GUS VARLAND

Gus Varland is a classic upside play. He brings velocity and the potential for strikeouts, but consistency has been the issue. For the Yankees, this would be a bet on their pitching lab to develop and harness his ability into becoming a trusted reliever. Matt Blake, in his pitching lab, could potentially unlock another level in Varland’s arsenal and turn him into a dependable bullpen piece.

TYLER PHILLIPS OR JOHN KING OR PETE FAIRBANKS

This group offers a range of outcomes. Tyler Phillips is more of a depth option with innings-eating capability, and the most likely unattainable one of the group. John King provides ground-ball tendencies and situational effectiveness. Then there’s Pete Fairbanks, the high-end option with elite stuff and closer-level upside. Fairbanks would be the dream acquisition, instantly elevating the bullpen’s ceiling. Pete has long been a thorn in the side of the Yankees during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. So now that he’s with the other Florida team, it may not be as difficult to acquire him as it would be to try to pry him away from a division rival.

RYAN WALKER OR ERIK MILLER OR KEATON WINN OR CALEB KILLIAN

If the Yankees want to explore depth options with upside, this group provides plenty of intrigue. Ryan Walker has shown flashes of late-inning potential. Erik Miller offers a left-handed look with strikeout ability. Keaton Winn and Caleb Killian both bring starter backgrounds that could translate into valuable bullpen roles. These are the types of arms that, in the right system, can exceed expectations. Trying to acquire any of these relievers from the San Francisco Giants might prove quite difficult, as San Francisco is trying to chase a run back to the postseason. However, if the Yankees can bring in any one or combination of these relievers, it could absolutely serve to aid this team in their championship pursuit.

INTERNAL OPTIONS: YERRY DE LOS SANTOS OR KERVIN CASTRO:

Before making an external move, the Yankees could look within. Yerry De Los Santos and Kervin Castro both offer intriguing internal solutions, already on the 40-man roster. De Los Santos has shown flashes of swing-and-miss capability, while Castro brings a live arm that could play up in relief. Giving these arms a legitimate opportunity could provide a cost-effective fix.

MOST LIKELY DECISION: JAKE BIRD & ANGEL CHIVILLI

As frustrating as it may be, the most likely outcome is that the Yankees stick with Jake Bird and Angel Chivilli, at least for now. Bullpen roles are notoriously volatile, and front offices are often hesitant to pull the plug too early. The Yankees will likely bank on internal adjustments, mechanical tweaks, or simply regression to the mean.

However, patience only goes so far for a team with championship aspirations. If Bird and Chivilli continue to falter, the Yankees will be forced to act. We saw how the Yankees pivoted at last year’s trade deadline when things weren’t working. So whether it’s a low-cost depth move, a high-upside gamble, or a splashy acquisition, the bullpen cannot remain a liability.

Because, unlike third base, where inconsistency can be masked at times if the rest of the lineup is producing, a shaky bullpen will sink a contender fast. And if the Yankees truly believe they are built for October, fixing this problem isn’t optional; it’s downright essential.