3 Yankees who don't deserve a 40-man roster spot heading into 2024

Matt Krook

Has Matt Krook gotten a fair shake? We wouldn't say so! He lost all of 2020 (like Narvaez) to COVID in what was supposed to be a crucial development year. He joined the Yankees three years ago heading into his age-26 season and has remained at Triple-A ever since.

Fans wanted to see him last year because he seemingly plateaued at Scranton and the bullpen needed a lefty able to eat some innings. Krook was mostly a starter his entire career until the Yankees transitioned him to a reliever at the start of last season. It seemed as if he could be the next Lucas Luetge, coming out of the 'pen to absorb a few frames and save the day from the pitching staff being abused.

Instead, the Yankees and manager Aaron Boone decided to debut the left-hander in the middle of June at Fenway Park with the Bombers trailing 7-1. No better time to help the kid build confidence! Did we mention he was called up 12 games prior and ... not used once?

Boston's offense was already rocking, and tagged Krook for five earned runs in 1.2 innings of work. He gave up four hits and a walk, including a monster home run to Justin Turner (following -- what else -- an infield misplay). Krook wouldn't pitch again until July 1, and he was once again knocked around for two earned runs on two hits and three walks across 1.2 innings against the Cardinals. But the final blow came during his fourth and last appearance of the season in Milwaukee, when he allowed four earned runs on two hits and two walks without recording an out. That was the last we saw of him.

So, yeah, we're just not sure what the Yankees are doing with him, which makes his place on the roster feel obsolete.