New York Yankees bullpen set to get stronger in near future

The New York Yankees‘ bullpen has been one of the highlights of their season. Even though the starters have struggled and the offense has been inconsistent, the relief corps has been excellent. Fronted by Aroldis Chapman‘s impressive 2021 campaign, New York’s bullpen has posted the highest fWAR in baseball, but are also being utilized at what may be an unsustainable rate.

The bullpen is only set to get stronger soon. Zack Britton is set to pitch in a simulated game sometime in the coming week, the first step in his rehab from surgery to remove a bone chip from his eblow.

New York Yankees bullpen will only get better

If there is a knock on the Yankees’ bullpen, it is a need for another left handed arm. While Lucas Luetge has been a revelation, Justin Wilson has struggled this year. Having Britton healthy and ready to reprise his role as a key setup man will only strengthen that unit.

Britton has been brilliant throughout much of his career. A former All Star closer, he has settled in nicely as the Yankees’ primary setup man, another devastating weapon from the left side. He posted a 1.89 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP in his 19 innings last year, striking out 16 batters with seven walks.

He also serves as the perfect insurance policy should anything happen to Chapman. Britton actually led the Yankees with eight saves last year, serving admirably as the Yankees’ closer when Chapman was dealing with injury woes.

Every bullpen could always use another arm. Even contending teams with a strong bullpen look to fortify that area at the trade deadline with an eye towards the postseason. That is the case with the Yankees as well, although their own upgrade will come from within as Britton is getting closer to a return.

Zack Britton is getting closer to returning to the New York Yankees. Their already strong bullpen looks set to get even better by the end of May.