Yankees Rumors: Bryan Hoch hints at trade to upgrade bullpen

Was bringing Cody Bellinger back the finishing touch on the New York Yankees offseason? It shouldn't be if they hope to keep pace in an ever-more-competitive AL East. In the immediate aftermath of news breaking that the star left fielder was returning to the Bronx, things got eerily quiet on the rumor front, signaling that the club could, in fact, be done making significant moves.

However, it's been a few days, and now we've been given a glimmer of hope. Yankees insider Bryan Hoch speculates that New York could have a trade for a reliever up its sleeve now that Bellinger is back in the fold.

"It stands to reason that the Yankees could dangle either Domínguez or Jones if they aim to complete another trade before Opening Day, potentially to upgrade their bullpen, which is presently anchored by David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill," Hoch writes.

Yankees insider Bryan Hoch speculates the team could deal Spencer Jones or Jasson Dominguez for a reliever

The bullpen was abysmal at points and a sore spot for most of the year last season, and has seen only two additions — Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest and Paul Blackburn (the reliever version). At the same time, occasional problem children Devin Williams and Luke Weaver now reside in Queens.

Is the unit the same, better, or worse than last season? Better is definitely off the table, but whether or not the Yankees managed to maintain the same level of ineffectiveness or plunged further into the depths of failure with their bullpen moves this offseason is up for debate.

What isn't up for debate is that help is needed. The question is, where can the Yankees turn to get a true upgrade?

The San Diego Padres would be the best choice. Their 'pen led the league in reliever ERA with a 3.06 mark last season, and they have a surplus of high-leverage arms and a need for controllable starters. Former Yankee Wandy Peralta would be the cheapest of the bunch and could give New York a second lefty to pair with Tim Hill. Jeremiah Estrada and Adrian Morejon will both be significantly more expensive. Forget about Mason Miller.

There have also been rumors that the Colorado Rockies could move a reliever, but given the recent experience with former Rockies bullpen member Jake Bird, it seems unlikely that the Yankees will go to that well again.

Speaking of preferred Yankee trade partners, perhaps re-engaging the Miami Marlins in a discussion about righty Anthony Bender could make sense.

What would have made the most sense would've been working the bullpen market much earlier when there were still a ton of options on the board in free agency. Now the options that would represent a clear upgrade are limited.

Also standing in the way of logic is the fact that a deal including Dominguez would be trading him at his lowest point. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but it would be an incredible mismanagement of assets if that's the return for the Martian.

Hoch is right that the Yankees' work isn't done, but it's just hard to see where they go from here.