Call to the pen
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Cincinnati Reds bolster bullpen in deal with Yankees

By David Hill|
Jun 30, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Luis Cessa (85) prepares to pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Luis Cessa (85) prepares to pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees are two teams in a strange place in the standings. While both have hopes of reaching the postseason, it would take a lot to go right for that to happen. Nonetheless, there is always hope.

Late Tuesday night, the Reds and Yankees made a trade. A pair of relievers – Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson – are heading to Cincinnati in exchange for the ever popular Player to be Named Later.

Cincinnati Reds bolster bullpen in surprising deal with Yankees

For the Reds, it would be clear that Cessa would be the prize. He is under team control through 2024, giving them a long term piece for the bullpen. He has thrived in that role this season, posting a 2.82 ERA and a 1.252 WHiP in his 38.1 innings, striking out 31 batters with 17 walks.

Wilson may be the better known of the pair of relievers, but he has struggled this season. The lefty had been unable to find success as a member of the Yankees, posting a 7.50 ERA and a 1.500 WHiP in his 18 innings, striking out 15 batters with nine walks. Wilson has also allowed five homers on the season, contributing to his rough season. However, given his excellent track record, he is worth a gamble for the Reds.

This is an interesting deal from the Yankees’ perspective. By receiving just a player to be named later, they would appear to be selling before the deadline. However, they could simply be clearing space on the roster for other moves in the coming days, allowing them to add pieces as they hope to make a run of their own.

It is also clear that the Yankees were looking to rid themselves of a pair of frustrating players. Wilson just was not what they had hoped for, while Cessa has had issues with consistency throughout his career. The Yankees may well view this trade as addition by subtraction, especially if they are able to land other pieces to upgrade the bullpen.

The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their bullpen, acquiring Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson from the Yankees. There would seem to be another move coming soon from the Yankees.

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