Is Yankees' latest transaction really the 'free agent pitcher' move Aaron Boone promised?

When New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone teased a forthcoming roster move on Opening Day to address the pitching staff, fans were wondering what that might entail, since the free agent market is completely dry and not many teams are keen on making trades this early in the year.

The Yankees revealed their roster just hours before Opening Day and were carrying five underwhelming players in their bench in Aaron Hicks, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Kyle Higashioka, Estevan Florial and Franchy Cordero (who was signed on Wednesday).

Boone specifically mentioned they'd be adding another pitcher, since a bullpen of seven guys isn't enough, especially with a battered rotation that now features Clarke Schmidt, Domingo Germán and Jhony Brito absorbing key roles.

On Thursday night, the Yankees made a move for a pitcher, but we're just not sure if it's a serious enough one to consider a true "bullpen addition."

New York acquired right-hander Colten Brewer for cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Rays. Most of Brewer's MLB experience has come with the Boston Red Sox from 2019-2021. Across 70 games, the right-hander logged a 4.98 ERA, 5.20 FIP and 1.78 WHIP in 81.1 innings.

Yankees trade for pitcher Colten Brewer in deal with Rays

This ... can't be "the move," can it? Is Brewer really a better option than any of the other guys sent to Triple-A? Wouldn't the team prefer one of Greg Weissert, Deivi Garcia or Matt Krook over Brewer, who didn't even pitch in the bigs in 2022?

But hey ... Brewer made the Pitching Ninja Twitter account back in 2020 for his "filthy" slider against former Yankee Mike Tauchman. That's gotta count for something, right?

Additionally, this spring with Tampa, Brewer finished with a 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in eight games (9.1 innings). He walked only three batters after issuing a ridiculous 58 free passes in his 91 career MLB innings.

Brewer will be added to the 40-man roster and has no minor-league options remaining, so he'll be here to stay it seems. He triggered an assignment clause in his contract after the Rays optioned him to minor-league camp.

So, yeah ... seems like this is it. Just weather the April storm and get us to May/June as players recover from injury, please.