Brent Headrick's run with 2026 Yankees is something to behold after preseason doubts

Truth be told, when we caught glimpses of Brent Headrick last year, we said "can we see more of that guy?" Perhaps it would've benefitted the 2025 team, but whatever the left-hander is doing this year must convince the casual baseball fan that magic is real.

Prior to the 2026 season, Headrick's longevity was a major question. Across 2024 and 2025, he logged just 69 1/3 total innings. His 2023 and 2022 seasons were much more promising at 100 2/3 innings and 108 1/3 innings, but that was years ago. How long could he realistically be relied upon?

We started expressing concern when he was seemingly being overused at the beginning of the year. The guy was being called upon to play a role he never had. Aaron Boone entrusted him with high-leverage innings early and often, and it continues until this day. It's truly unbelievable we are saying that.

Every moment we wondered when the other shoe would drop with Headrick, he either got better or got luckier. On Sunday, he closed the door on a season series victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, and we can't feel anything but pride.

Headrick logged 1 1/3 scoreless innings on just 16 pitches to confirm defeat of the Yankees' hated rival and increase his record-setting 2026 pace. He has a month to pass Mariano Rivera. We would be speechless.

Brent Headrick is a sensational Yankees story, regardless of era or year

As of Aug. 23, the left-hander has recorded 66 1/3 innings and owns a sterling 1.49 ERA. Yes, we rightfully questioned the Yankees relying on this man to be steadfast and durable back-end reliever when Opening Day arrived. It's safe to say, regardless of what happens from this point forward, the Yankees were right.

They saw Headrick's combined 212 combined innings from 2022-2023 and said "we can get more than you might think out of this guy." Headrick, who was apparently salivating at the challenge, has delivered more significantly than anybody could've imagined. It really feels like he was always destined for this role. He's nearly been perfect as he relishes in the pressure.

It's David Bednar and then Brent Headrick when you're discussing the Yankees bullpen. Think we'd have ever gotten to this point, especially after the early-season Bednar concerns? You're out of your mind (or a complete liar) if you envisioned this. It's been a "live by the day" experience and we have to say it's been an incredible pleasure to witness it, even if we had our doubts.

Among qualified relievers, Headrick ranks sixth in WAR (2.1). The only names above him are Mason Miller, Louis Varland, Jhoan Duran, Trevor Megill and Adrian Morejon. His 2.11 FIP also ranks sixth. There are some concerns, like his 2.98 xERA (which ranks 29th) and his 3.10 xFIP (which ranks 21st), but those marks still have him as one of the best relievers in the game.

The man has appeared in a league-leading 67 games and has been nothing short of excellent. When we lamented at the trade deadline about a lack of help, it was because we wanted to preserve Headrick and not continue to overuse him.

But at this rate it doesn't seem to matter. The guy is a machine and won't back down until the wheels come off. There's still plenty of time left in the season for the cracks to show, but Headrick's looked as tight as ever. He should be garnering more recognition across the board. Appreciation post. Salute.

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