Yankees could sign desired bullpen fit after Braves' foolish contract decision

The New York Yankees need as much bullpen help as they can handle this offseason. Adding three or four trustworthy names wouldn't be a stretch goal; it's the bare minimum. Luke Weaver and Devin Williams are, in all likelihood, gone. That leaves, from 2025's dreck-worthy unit, David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, and Camilo Doval. You like what you see? Or you want to take some more bites at that apple?

That free agent reliever pool got quite a bit larger on Thursday when several teams chickened out on high-priced options. Most notably, the Tampa Bay Rays tossed closer Pete Fairbanks into the mix rather than pay his $11 million salary (he struggles in cold weather, might not be a fit), and the Atlanta Braves declined options on both Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley.

Kinley, who came over midseason from Colorado, might be the most natural fit. He was owed $5.5 million in Atlanta, which could morph nicely into a two-year deal in the Bronx.

Braves let Tyler Kinley into Yankees' free agent search with bizarre option decision

"Very nice second half" is certainly putting it mildly. Who knows if it we saw a dead cat bounce, Atlanta unlocking something legitimate very quickly, or the strongest and fastest argument of all time that Coors Field should be outlawed. Whatever it was, Kinley absolutely dominated in Atlanta, posting an 0.72 ERA/2.74 FIP in 25 innings (across 24 games). He was borderline unhittable (11 hits, one homer, 22 strikeouts). He commanded the zone (six walks, 0.680 WHIP). He was one of the game's best all year long at inducing soft contact (100th percentile hard-hit rate, 93rd percentile average exit velocity), and did it mostly with the breaking ball (Matt Blake is salivating). His fastball is nothing that would bat an eye (23rd-percentile heater). His breaking run value? 99th percentile.

We don't begrudge you for not knowing much about Kinley before this process. After all, the Rockies bullpen is a total free-for-all. What does "success" mean in Colorado? How much of it can translate? And how much beard growth are these guys willing to shave, when push comes to shove?

Kinley's elite half-season in Atlanta (with a non-competitive roster) might not be much to go off of, but we're not talking about taking an $80 million risk on a small sample size. He wouldn't cost much, and his 2025 season showed meaningful progress beginning-to-end in spinning breakers and limiting damage. Go for it.