Yankees' hidden relief weapon Yovanny Cruz looks ready to fix their biggest problem

The New York Yankees' offense stinks right now, but that ship is bound to right itself in due time. On the other hand, New York's other big problem -- its bullpen -- isn't going to self-solve. There are just too many question marks in the 'pen with unknown answers. Tim Hill has been the only completely reliable arm. Camilo Doval impressed early but has since looked as command-volatile as ever. Jake Bird looked like a savior early, but that dream has since faded. And David Bednar just keeps getting himself into trouble (and high pitch counts).

I'm not going to run down the entire laundry list, but the point is, the bullpen isn't good enough, nor is it hard-throwing enough: As of April 9, New York's 'pen ranked 26th in MLB with just 12 pitches delivered at 97 mph or higher. The Colorado Rockies were first with 200 such pitches, for those wondering.

The Yankees' pen needs an injection of young talent. By the way, Cade Winquest (who is not an injection of young talent) is no longer on the team, so the idea of adding another reliever feels real at the moment. Here's an idea: Yovanny Cruz!

Yovanny Cruz has been sharp in Triple-A and should be on verge of Yankees promotion

Cruz is ready to graduate from Scranton, and he happens to throw the type of gas that the Yankees' bullpen currently lacks. Through 6 1/3 innings thus far in 2026, Cruz has struck out 10 and allowed just two hits and two walks. His ERA is 0.00, and his WHIP (0.63) and opponent batting average (.093) are equally as telling -- Cruz is ready for The Show.

A Cruz promotion would not only add velocity to the Yankees 'pen, but also youth. New York's reliever corps is a tad too old, and the way that Aaron Boone has been managing things, these aging arms are sure to be taxed beyond belief once the postseason arrives. Hill and the Yankees' other Cruz (Fernando) are 36 years old. Ryan Yarbrough is 34. Bednar, Bird (already gone), and Paul Blackburn are all north of 30.

Once a 26-year-old Ryan Weathers presumably joins the bullpen, the above concern will be partially addressed, but adding Cruz now (the Yovanny version, who is 26) would freshen up a unit that needs an injection of something. We're not even 20 games into the season -- why do I feel short of breath whenever a Yankees starter exits the game?

Speaking of youth and velocity, Carlos Lagrange has plenty of both to offer. Sadly, Lagrange still feels like too desperate a move for a Yankees brain trust that is far too conservative. A Lagrange promotion would delight fans and immediately make the bullpen much better, but it's not in the cards quite yet. Enter Cruz.

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