The New York Yankees must address their bullpen after another early postseason exit, and ClutchPoints writer Jordan Llanes has identified a clear path forward.
Llanes argued that general manager Brian Cashman should contact San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller about acquiring closer Mason Miller.
Miller represents the best closer in baseball and a long-term solution for a franchise with a rich history of ninth-inning excellence. That history includes Mariano Rivera, whose dominance set a standard the Yankees have struggled to match in recent years.
David Bednar, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, filled the role effectively in 2026 with a 2.47 ERA and 35 saves in 39 opportunities. Bednar is set to become a free agent this winter, however, creating an immediate vacancy at the back of the bullpen.
Several other relievers, including Paul Blackburn, Michael Fulmer, John Schreiber, Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough, also face potential free-agency departures.
This combination of departures leaves the Yankees in need of a significant bullpen retooling heading into 2027. Llanes suggested that acquiring Miller would require a substantial prospect package for Preller, who has shown a willingness to deal for impact talent.
Possible centerpieces include starting pitchers Elmer Rodriguez or Carlos Lagrange, along with outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Young major-league-ready starters such as Will Warren or Ryan Weathers could also be included to sweeten an offer.
One hypothetical framework Llanes outlined would send Warren, Dominguez, Rodriguez and Double-A right-hander Rory Fox to San Diego in exchange for Miller.
Preller paid a steep price himself to land Miller from the Athletics at the 2025 trade deadline, dealing top prospect Leo De Vries and three other arms. Miller rewarded that investment in 2026 by posting a 1.67 ERA over 70 innings, striking out 129 batters and converting 38 saves to lead the National League.
His average fastball velocity of 101.4 mph ranked first among qualified pitchers, and his 0.90 WHIP underscored consistent dominance.
The 28-year-old remains under team control through 2029, providing the multiyear stability the Yankees have lacked since Rivera’s era.
The Yankees’ recent postseason results heighten the urgency. After falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, they were eliminated in the AL Division Series the past two Octobers, most recently by a three-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays.
That loss extended the franchise’s championship drought to 17 years, matching the longest such stretch in team history since the last title in 2009.
Manager Aaron Boone, now in his ninth season and the longest-tenured Yankees skipper without a World Series title, is expected to return for 2027, the final year of his contract. Captain Aaron Judge, at 34 and managing injuries, has acknowledged that the window for championship contention is narrowing.
Trading for Miller would test Cashman’s willingness to part with young talent in pursuit of the organization’s 28th title.
Such a move could lock down the ninth inning for years and give Boone the high-leverage arm needed to end the drought.
