The Yankees’ Tactical Move: Enhancing Bullpen Potential with Fernando Cruz
One of the New York Yankees’ key moves this offseason involved acquiring an intriguing bullpen arm that could potentially reshape their pitching dynamics. Despite possessing one of Major League Baseball’s top bullpens, the Yankees struggled with consistent strikeout rates, ranking 12th in this aspect according to Fangraphs. To bolster their pitching prowess, the front office orchestrated a trade sending Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson.
A Rising Star: Fernando Cruz’s Promising Outlook
Fernando Cruz stands out as a breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season, as highlighted by R.J. Anderson from CBS Sports, who expresses “high confidence” in Cruz’s potential for growth. Despite Cruz being a recurring name from the previous year’s list, there is optimism surrounding his future performance. The anticipation stems from the belief that a change of scenery could be the catalyst for Cruz to flourish in his role.
Optimizing Performance: Strategic Adjustments for Success
In analyzing Cruz’s pitching strategy, there is a strong indication that the Yankees will implement significant changes to enhance his effectiveness on the mound. One crucial adjustment involves potentially discarding Cruz’s underperforming cutter, a pitch that has contributed to 15 home runs conceded over the past two seasons. By eliminating this vulnerability, Cruz can focus on refining his pitching arsenal to maximize his impact.
Strategic Weaponry: Leveraging Cruz’s Strengths
A key aspect of Cruz’s potential transformation lies in his ability to increase the utilization of his splitter, a pitch that has exhibited remarkable success against opponents, boasting an impressive .353 OPS over the last two years. Drawing parallels to how the Yankees optimized Tommy Kahnle’s changeup usage, a similar approach could unlock Cruz’s full potential, positioning him as a formidable asset in high-leverage situations under the guidance of manager Aaron Boone.
In summary, the Yankees’ strategic gamble on Fernando Cruz signifies a calculated move to fortify their bullpen and introduce a game-changing element to their pitching dynamics. With the right adjustments and support, Cruz has the opportunity to emerge as a pivotal figure in the team’s quest for success in the upcoming season.
