Yankees Part Ways With Five Relievers Before Non-Tender Deadline

The New York Yankees are shaking things up, trying to fix the bullpen issues that haunted them last season. Just ahead of the non-tender deadline, they made a bold call—letting five pitchers walk and signaling a fresh start in their relief corps.

At the same time, the Yankees struck deals with Oswaldo Cabrera and Clarke Schmidt. These moves shore up the roster and hint at a new direction for their pitching plans.

Yankees Part Ways With Five Bullpen Arms

Fans took notice when the Yankees cut ties with Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Effross, Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and minor leaguer Michael Arias. It’s not just about the names—it’s a shift toward healthier, more reliable options for those tense late innings.

Mark Leiter Jr.: A Season of Highs and Lows

Mark Leiter Jr. started the year as a key middle-relief guy and looked sharp early. But things went south as the season wore on, and his 4.84 ERA over 59 games kept him off the playoff roster again.

Set to make about $3 million in his last arbitration year, Leiter now hits the market as a free agent.

Scott Effross: Battling Injuries

Scott Effross came from the Cubs in 2022, but injuries have really stalled his time in New York. Tommy John surgery, then back problems—he only managed 11 games in 2024 and posted an 8.44 ERA.

The Yankees want stability, and Effross’s health just wasn’t trending in the right direction.

Jake Cousins: From World Series Contributor to Surgery Table

Jake Cousins played a big role in the bullpen during the Yankees’ 2024 World Series run. Then a torn elbow ligament landed him on the surgery table in June, so he’ll miss most of the next season.

That’s one less dependable late-inning option for them.

Ian Hamilton and Michael Arias: Depth Pieces Moved On

Ian Hamilton looked promising in 2023, but last year he slipped—posting a 4.28 ERA in 36 games before heading to Triple-A. Michael Arias, a minor league pitcher, also got the cut.

Clearly, the shake-up isn’t just for the big-league roster.

Strategic Signings Amid Roster Overhaul

While a handful of pitchers are out, the Yankees made sure to keep some key contributors. They avoided arbitration with Oswaldo Cabrera, signing him for a year at $1.2 million, and locked in Clarke Schmidt on a one-year, $4.5 million deal.

These signings give the roster a bit of stability as the front office tries to piece together a more dependable bullpen.

A Clear Message From the Front Office

With these moves, the Yankees are making it obvious: if you want a bullpen role, you’ve got to perform and stay healthy. They’re probably eyeing relievers who’ve shown they can handle the grind and keep it together all season.

What This Means for 2026

The Yankees are going all-in on a bullpen reset, clearly aiming for a deep playoff run in 2026. By letting go of players with injuries or fading numbers, they’re making room for younger arms and maybe some intriguing free agents.

They want a mix—power arms, versatile relievers, guys who can shut the door in big moments. That’s the dream, anyway.

• Emphasis on durability and proven performance
• Clearing payroll space for strategic free-agent acquisitions
• Developing younger, high-upside pitching talent

Expect More Offseason Activity

With such a big bullpen shake-up, fans should expect more moves before Opening Day. Don’t be surprised if the Yankees look for experienced late-inning specialists or try to trade for arms with strong postseason resumes.

The bullpen’s transformation isn’t done—far from it. This feels like just the beginning.

The Yankees’ recent decisions ahead of the non-tender deadline show a refreshing willingness to adapt. For a franchise built on championships, inconsistency just isn’t an option.

As rumors swirl and roster spots open, one thing stands out—this offseason, the Yankees really want to get the ninth inning right.

 
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