The Yankees have a serious problem in the bullpen

The New York Yankees bullpen has deteriorated at an almost incomprehensible rate over the past few weeks. They now have a combined ERA of 3.65, and after being the No. 1 rated unit in baseball for the first two months, they have fallen to 13th, barely above average.

Pitching coach Matt Blake has implemented a system that relies heavily on extracting cheap value, allowing the Yankees to spend money elsewhere. That’s all well and good until a few guys get hurt and they’re suddenly relying on free agents and waiver claims to fill the gaps.

Caleb Ferguson: Yankees are not getting any value

However, the team acquired Caleb Ferguson from the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason, hoping he would be a key part of the bullpen. After posting a 3.43 ERA last season in 61 innings, Ferguson was arguably the worst bullpen member on the team.

Through 28 innings this year, Ferguson has a 5.46 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 11.25 strikeouts per nine, 63.5% left-on-base rate, and 43.8% ground ball rate. Both his home runs and walks per nine have increased this season, which means he is headed in the wrong direction.

Stats Problems and Pitching Problems

Ferguson ranks in the 79th percentile in strikeout rate and is well below average in most stats, including a 4.56 expected ERA and .257 expected batting average. Opponents are breaking down his four-seam fastball, which he throws 55.7 percent of the time.

They’re hitting .282 against his four-seamer with a .563 slugging percentage. Like Carlos Rodon, both of their fastballs have become liabilities, and the Yankees need to make a change. Ferguson has a cutter who’s batting averaged .071, but his slurve and sinker are being destroyed.

Effectiveness of speed and pitch drop

Interestingly, his four-seam fastball has lost 2 mph compared to 2023, which is extremely concerning and is likely why it has become one of his worst pitches. It is a bit more mobile than it was during his time with the Dodgers, so batters are finding it easy to catch.

Looking Ahead: Adjustments and Returns

At this point, the Yankees need a lot more from the 28-year-old, who will become a free agent after the 2024 season. Bringing him back seems like a terrible long-term decision, but Blake needs to find a way to extract value the rest of the way, especially with the Yankees dealing with several injuries.

The team is counting on the return of Scott Effross, Lou Trivino and Ian Hamilton, but until they return to action, the Yankees could find themselves in a tough spot trying to make up ground in the AL East.