Yankees eyeing another mistake with former injured relief pitcher in free agency

Stop us if you've heard this before: the New York Yankees can't quit an injured relief pitcher. This offseason, they re-upped with Jonathan Loaisiga, who has pitched in 20 games the past two years. It's just a trend, and it comes back to burn them incredibly often.

Both Scott Effross and Lou Trivino have fallen into that bucket over the last couple of years, too. Both were acquired in 2022 via trade and both barely contributed through 2024. Effross is under club control for below $1 million, so that's justifiable, but last offseason the Yankees paid Trivino $1.5 million to do nothing because he missed the entire year after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Not sure why they even bothered.

Fast forward to 2025 and ... they're still eyeing Trivino after he hit free agency again?! You've gotta be kidding. None of this would be an issue if the Yankees hadn't expected high-leverage innings out of any of these three, but that wasn't the case. They were heavily relied upon in their plans, and then there was no recourse when they were unavailable.

According to reports, Trivino worked out of multiple teams in Florida and the Yankees were among those in attendance. Yes, they need bullpen help, but not in the form of a rebound season following reconstructive elbow surgery, no matter the price.

Yankees must avoid Lou Trivino reunion after rehab workout

As of right now, the Yankees are haggling over potential expenses because of Marcus Stroman's contract — an unnecessary situation they made a reality for reasons unknown. Why, after giving Loaisiga $5 million for 2025, are we even thinking about Trivino?

Whatever happened to simply signing Tim Hill and/or Andrew Chafin for a discount? Shouldn't one or both of those deals have been completed before Trivino entered the conversation? The Yankees' bullpen has improved year over year, but it needs more solidified options, not question marks.

As it stands right now, here's what we can expect for 2025:

• Devin Williams
• Luke Weaver
• Jake Cousins
• Ian Hamilton
• Jonathan Loaisiga
• Mark Leiter Jr.
• Fernando Cruz

Where does Trivino fit into that picture, especially without a lefty in the fold? Leave the workout, Yankees. Start getting serious about your offseason after the promising start you had.