The New York Yankees bullpen was one of their bigger questions heading into the 2022 season. While Aroldis Chapman was entrenched as the Yankees’ closer, they needed someone to step up and become that second reliever they could count on.
As a whole, the Yankees entire bullpen has stepped up. Their bullpen has posted a 2.53 ERA heading into Saturday, the second lowest mark in the majors. Michael King has been a major part of that dominance.
Michael King has found his home with New York Yankees
King had been a somewhat confusing piece for the Yankees. They were never really able to find a role for him as he shuffled between the bullpen and rotation. However, after a solid showing last year, and the emergence of Nestor Cortes Jr., he was given a place in the bullpen as part of the Opening Day roster.
He has proven to be far better than anyone could have imagined. King has become the Yankees’ fireman, coming in to get key outs and mow down the opposition for multiple innings. He has posted a 1.59 ERA and a 0.926 WHiP in his 22.2 innings, striking out 31 batters with just four walks. Opposing batters have mustered a meager .510 OPS against him in their 85 plate appearances as he has allowed just two extra base hits thus far.
King may also be set to solve a problem for the Yankees next year as well. Chapman is a free agent after this season as he is in the final year of the three year, $48 million extension he signed following the 2019 season. As he will turn 35 years old prior to the 2023 season, it is fair to wonder if the Yankees will look to bring him back.
It is entirely possible that King ends up being their closer in waiting. He has done his part to get a look in that role, dominating whenever called upon. King even bailed Chapman out, escaping a bases loaded, no out jam on April 19, keeping any of those runners from scoring to preserve the 3-0 victory.
The New York Yankees bullpen has dominated thus far in 2022. Michael King has become a major part of that success and has found his place.