The New York Yankees continue to address their roster needs as spring training approaches, claiming right-hander Allan Winans off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
Winans, a former Mets draft pick, struggled in limited major league action over the past two seasons, posting a combined 7.20 ERA across eight starts. However, his strong track record in Triple-A, including a 3.30 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 2024, makes him an intriguing depth option for the Yankees’ pitching staff.
While the addition of Winans provides some insurance, the Yankees’ offseason has been shadowed by lingering questions about missed opportunities, particularly their reported decision to back out of a potential trade for Jack Flaherty at the 2024 trade deadline.
Flaherty, ultimately acquired by the Dodgers, played a pivotal role in Los Angeles’ postseason bullpen management despite his own struggles, helping them secure a World Series title in a grueling five-game series.
The Yankees’ inability to land Flaherty, coupled with factors like Aaron Judge’s playoff struggles, defensive lapses, and managerial missteps, highlights the thin margins that can define a championship pursuit.
Flaherty’s 22 postseason innings, while not dominant, allowed the Dodgers to preserve their bullpen—a luxury the Yankees lacked in their playoff run.
Heading into 2025, the Yankees are under pressure to avoid similar missteps.
Adding Winans bolsters their pitching depth, but the team must hope that their current roster is better equipped to overcome the challenges that derailed their World Series aspirations last season.
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