BULLPEN BLEEDS OUT: Yankees Cut Ties With Two Regulars – Call Up Three ‘Wild Cards’ for Emergency Reinforcements.

(NEW YORK) — The New York Yankees’ bullpen, a chronic source of anxiety throughout the 2025 season, is undergoing an emergency, mid-crisis overhaul. Facing a crucial stretch drive with their playoff hopes on the line, the Yankees have made the ruthless decision to cut ties with two regular relievers and call up three ‘wild card’ arms from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for immediate reinforcement.

This aggressive shuffling, aimed at stopping the “bullpen bleed,” signals the end of the line for several veterans whose inconsistent performances threatened to derail the team’s entire season.

The Veterans Cut: Inconsistency Leads to Exit

The Yankees have officially designated two high-profile relievers—one veteran and one recent trade acquisition—for assignment (DFA):

1. Devin Williams (RHP): The biggest name cut, Williams was acquired with the expectation of being the team’s dominant closer. However, after losing the role twice in the 2025 season due to a volatile performance (including a 6.60 ERA in the summer), the team has decided to move on rather than risk further high-leverage failures. His departure clears the largest salary hit from the bullpen.
2. Luke Weaver (RHP): The versatile swingman, who had served in multiple roles including a brief stint as closer, was DFA’d. Weaver’s inability to maintain consistency, along with a high ERA in the second half, ultimately led the Yankees to seek fresher, cheaper options.

The decisions to move on from these established players, while harsh, reflect General Manager Brian Cashman’s philosophy that performance must outweigh history and contract status when the postseason is on the line.

The Three Wild Cards: Emergency Call-Ups

To replace the outgoing veterans, the Yankees have urgently called up three ‘wild card’ pitchers, banking on fresh arms and untapped potential to stabilize the late innings:

1. Will Warren (RHP): The hard-throwing prospect, who has served primarily as a starter in Triple-A, is being shifted to an emergency relief role. Warren’s high-octane stuff is seen as a high-risk, high-reward option for short bursts of high-leverage work.
2. Paul Blackburn (RHP): A veteran journeyman who began the year with the crosstown Mets, Blackburn is receiving a second chance in the Bronx. He earned his way onto the roster with an excellent 0.90 ERA in ten September innings for the Triple-A squad, proving his recent dominance.
3. Ian Hamilton (RHP): Despite being demoted earlier in the season due to command issues, Hamilton is being recalled. Known for his unorthodox delivery and past success in 2023-2024, the Yankees are hoping a change of scenery and a clear role will allow him to rediscover his form.

This roster surgery confirms the Yankees’ commitment to assembling a “late-inning powerhouse” and fixing the team’s Achilles’ heel before the postseason race is lost entirely. The three wild cards now carry the immense pressure of stabilizing a season that has been defined by bullpen inconsistency.