The New York Yankees' bullpen could use some help near the trade deadline if they want to make another run to the World Series. The Atlanta Braves could have a piece to help them.
Since Ryan Yarbrough has been moved into the starting rotation, the Yankees have two lefties in the bullpen, Tim Hill and Brent Headrick. The Yankees' bullpen has a 3.8 ERA this season. Luke Weaver is on the injured list, Jake Cousins suffered a setback during his rehab assignment and Devin Williams has not looked like himself.
The Yankees need relievers whom Aaron Boone can trust in big spots. FanSided's Peyton Crowder suggested the Yankees target Aaron Bummer of the Atlanta Braves.
"Bummer is a softer-tossing reliever in today's game, with his fastball sitting in the low 90s. He uses two fastball shapes, predominantly a sinker, to go along with a sweeping slider and a heavy curveball," wrote Crowder. "The California native is similar to Tim Hill in a sense, inducing a lot of soft contact while keeping the ball on the ground. He also adds the strikeout element, as he misses a lot of bats with his breaking balls."
Bummer has a 3.00 ERA this season and 30 strikeouts in 27 innings of work. He is in his ninth MLB season, and the Braves could be open to trading him at the deadline. The Braves are nine games below .500, and while they may not have a fire sale, Bummer could be a piece they part with.
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"The only snag in this proposed move for Bummer is his contract; the lefty is slated to earn $3.5 million this season and $9.5 million in 2026," wrote Crowder. "With the Yankees outspoken about their desire to remain below the $300 million luxury tax, they may not be ready to commit almost $10 million to a bullpen arm for next season."
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