The **New York Yankees** face a familiar problem that’s threatening their championship hopes: they can’t trust their bullpen beyond closer **David Bednar**.
It’s the same story that’s haunted them in recent years. Bednar has been reliable when the games are on the line, but there’s a steep drop-off after him. That’s not going to cut it if they want another shot at the World Series.
The numbers tell the story. **Fernando Cruz** has walked too many hitters early this season, turning manageable situations into trouble. **Jake Bird** shows flashes but remains inconsistent in high-leverage spots – sometimes clutch, sometimes vulnerable when it matters most. **Paul Blackburn** and **Ryan Yarbrough** simply aren’t built for late-innings pressure.
“Outside of those three, it’s hard to see who can be trusted. Fernando Cruz has been wild so far this season, and has issued too many walks early this season. Jake Bird is emerging, but has shown high vulnerability in big spots, but has also been clutch in big spots and could be worth a high-leverage look. The other options, Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough are not suited for high-leverage,” LWOS’ Matthew Nethercott wrote.
Position Player Problems
The bullpen isn’t the only area of concern. **Ryan McMahon** is running out of time to justify his spot in the lineup.
The All-Star third baseman came to New York primarily for his glove, and he’s delivered on that end. But his offensive struggles have become impossible to ignore, especially for a player hitting in the heart of the order.
McMahon’s striking out more than **30 percent** of the time while producing mostly harmless fly balls when he does make contact. That’s not what you expect from a middle-of-the-lineup bat, regardless of defensive value.
“You’d hope for one of two things from a glove-first guy hitting No. 7 or 8 in your lineup: Either they make lots of contact in order to move runners over and force the defense to make plays, or they do damage in the form of extra-base hits. McMahon profiled as the latter when New York traded for him, but he’s been neither of late,” FanSided’s Chris Landers wrote.
The timing couldn’t be worse. McMahon still has one year remaining on his contract after this season, which limits the Yankees’ flexibility in finding an upgrade.
No position player survives long in pinstripes without producing at the plate, no matter how good their defense. If McMahon can’t turn things around soon, the Yankees may have to decide whether to trade him or move on entirely.
Both situations highlight the same challenge: the Yankees need reliable contributors if they’re going to make another championship run. Right now, too many key pieces are leaving them guessing when it matters most.
