NEW YORK — The New York Yankees enter the offseason facing turbulence both on and off the field. While the team continues to reckon with another early playoff exit, the front office is bracing for major bullpen changes, a social media controversy has emerged involving a Blue Jays rookie, and captain Aaron Judge finds himself entangled in an unexpected legal dispute.
Bullpen Overhaul Looms After Playoff Collapse
According to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post, the Yankees’ bullpen was a factor in their failure to win the AL East, but not the main reason for their postseason elimination. After general manager Brian Cashman spent heavily at the trade deadline to assemble a “super bullpen” — trading for David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird while adding Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz in the offseason — the unit still fell short of expectations.
Now, multiple key relievers are heading to free agency.
- Devin Williams, who alternated between dominance and inconsistency, finished with 3.2 scoreless playoff innings but surrendered the game-winning hit that ended the Yankees’ season.
- Luke Weaver, after a shaky September and postseason struggles, is expected to seek a raise from his $2.5 million club option and may market himself as a starter.
- Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn will also hit the open market.
- Jonathan Loáisiga’s $5 million option will likely be declined, while the team must decide whether to retain Tim Hill for $3 million.
If those moves stand, the Yankees’ bullpen core could shrink to Bednar, Doval, and Cruz, with Bird, Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, and Scott Effross serving as backups.
Rookie Pitcher Faces Online Harassment After Dominating Yankees
Off the field, The Canadian Press reports that Trey Yesavage, the 22-year-old Blue Jays rookie who struck out 11 Yankees in 5⅓ no-hit innings during Game 2 of the ALDS, became the target of online harassment from some Yankees fans.
Yesavage revealed in a press conference before the ALCS that both his family and girlfriend were subjected to abusive messages following Toronto’s win. “It’s disappointing,” Yesavage said. “We all love the game, but athletes are people too.”
The incident has reignited conversations about fan behavior and accountability on social media, especially during high-stakes postseason series.
Aaron Judge in $750,000 Legal Battle with Interior Designer
Meanwhile, Yankees captain Aaron Judge faces a legal fight off the diamond. As reported by Realtor.com’s Charlie Lankston, Judge and his wife have filed a lawsuit against Amanda Drew, owner of Drew Designs LLC, alleging she overcharged them by $750,000 for renovation work on their Tampa home and New York apartment.
The lawsuit claims Drew promised “below-market rates” but added hidden costs to design fees and furniture purchases. Drew has since filed a countersuit for wrongful termination and unpaid invoices.
While the case proceeds, Judge’s offseason recovery has been temporarily delayed — yet another obstacle in what has become a turbulent autumn for the Yankees organization.
