The Yankees have a reputation for transforming journeyman relief pitchers into essential bullpen pieces. This success is exemplified by players like Luke Weaver, who went from being a journeyman to closing games during the Yankees’ 2024 World Series run. These transformations aren’t a matter of chance but the result of elite pitching development, led by renowned pitching coach Matt Blake.
The Acquisition of Fernando Cruz
Continuing this strategy, the Yankees recently acquired Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino. Cruz, 34, is under team control for four more years, though his age could make him a short-term asset. Despite two challenging seasons, Cruz offers intriguing potential.
In 2023, Cruz posted a 4.91 ERA over 66 innings, followed by a 4.86 ERA in 66.2 innings during 2024. While these surface numbers don’t stand out, his underlying metrics hint at significant upside. Cruz struck out nearly 15 batters per nine innings last season, showcasing his ability to generate swings and misses. However, he struggled with control, issuing 4.73 walks per nine and allowing 1.22 home runs per nine innings.
The Splitter: Cruz’s Signature Weapon
Cruz’s splitter is one of the best in baseball, thrown 41.9% of the time with a remarkable .116 batting average against and a .149 slugging rate. This pitch boasts a 59.3% whiff rate and a 32.5% put-away rate, making it nearly unhittable. Its sharp drop confounds hitters, making it a reliable strikeout pitch.