The New York Yankees have an immediate need for at least one reliever.
As pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, it was announced by Yankees writer Chris Kirschner that two key relievers would be sidelined for the time being.
Jake Cousins has a forearm strain. He’s in the middle of a no-throw. Could affect his availability for Opening Day.
Clayton Beeter had a shoulder injury. He’s a little behind pace for his build up.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 11, 2025
This is certainly not the news Yankees fans wanted to hear before any workouts have even started. However, there are still options available — including this $6 million arm.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Buck Farmer #46 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 22, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Buck Farmer is still on the market and searching for a team in 2025. As a member of the Cincinnati Reds in 2024, Farmer pitched in 61 games and recorded a 3.04 ERA with 70 strikeouts. He was very efficient for the Reds and produced the highest WAR total for a single season of his career with 1.7.
While Farmer is set to turn 34 in the next week, he’s still pitching at a very high level. In a way, it’s still surprising he remains unsigned. The Yankees could be the biggest beneficiary of his services if they choose to restock the bullpen externally.
The only downsides to Farmer, as indicated by his Baseball Savant report card, is he is in just the 28th percentile for fastball velocity and in the 18th percentile for ground ball rate. At this stage in his career, he’s not going to add velocity. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t work on his control and boost his ability to induce weak grounders that his infielders can make in his sleep.
As mentioned above, Farmer is projected to make just $6 million in 2025. There’s a chance he could take less with his market being quiet to this point with the season just around the corner.