The New York Yankees have had an extremely slow offseason. Despite just making the playoffs, and having made the World Series the season before, the Yankees have yet to make any true significant moves, which is an issue since they should be pulling out all the stops to compete now while possible.
*Prediction*
For the Yankees, one area they still need to be looking to improve is the back of their bullpen, especially with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver having signed with the New York Mets. With the reliever market starting to dwindle, a player the Yankees could turn to sign is Michael Kopech.
More MLB Content From TWSN:
Aaron Judge Needs to Request a Trade from the New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays Trade Jose Berrios to the Atlanta Braves
Framber Valdez Signs With the San Francisco Giants
New York Yankees Sign Michael Kopech in MLB Free Agency
Michael Kopech had originally started off on the Chicago White Sox, but then ended up being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline. Upon landing in Los Angeles, Kopech ended up pitching a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 359 ERA+ with 29 strikeouts.
This past season in 2025, Michael Kopech ended up with a 2.45 ERA, 1.727 WHIP, and 174 ERA+ with 12 strikeouts. Kopech only played in 14 games as he dealt with knee and shoulder issues, but is on track to make a full impact in 2026.
With the Yankees coming off a season where they were 23rd in MLB with a collective 4.37 ERA and 19th with a 1.32 WHIP, they need a boost in their bullpen, that is where Michael Kopech comes in as a compelling option to be the addition they need. With his ability to strikeout others at a high rate, pairing Kopech up with David Bednar and Camilo Doval would be ideal for the Yankees.