Yankees Shock Fans with a Major Move! Left-Handed Ace Returns…..

After spending the previous season in the Yankees’ system, Tanner Tully has returned on another Minor League contract. Despite his midseason departure to the Korean Baseball Organization in 2023, where he performed well with a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts, his Triple-A stint with the Yankees’ affiliate saw struggles, marked by a 5.64 ERA and 1.38 HR/9 in 19 starts. Tully’s return on a Minor League deal adds depth to the Yankees’ starting pitching options. Although he holds only six innings of MLB experience and has primarily been a starter throughout his career, his role in the rotation next season may not be significant. Nonetheless, bolstering organizational depth is a prudent move.

Entering his age-29 season, Tully spent his entire pre-2023 career with the Cleveland Guardians as a career Minor Leaguer. Across 131 starts and 787.1 innings pitched, he maintains a 4.18 ERA and 591 strikeouts, relying on ground contact due to a lack of overpowering pitches. His four-seam fastball and sweeping slider align with the Yankees’ preferences for breaking pitches. In Triple-A, his slider displayed effective horizontal sweep, a 27.6% Whiff Rate, and an 87 MPH Exit Velocity on average. His changeup, inducing over 10 inches of vertical separation from the four-seam fastball, boasts a 61.2% groundball rate. Despite his struggles in Triple-A, attributed in part to the run-scoring environment, Tully’s arsenal centers on precise command rather than overwhelming stuff.

The Yankees, ensuring rotation insurance, recognize the value of depth. While pursuing higher-end talent like Marcus Stroman in the market, the team remains linked to names such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery in free agency, with Dylan Cease, Jesus Luzardo, and Shane Bieber as potential trade options. Marcus Stroman, despite prior comments, expresses interest in joining the Yankees, citing his suitability for the “bright lights of the Bronx.” The 32-year-old right-hander, with AL East and New York experience, could offer a valuable addition to the team, pending any potential concerns regarding his social media presence. The Yankees’ pursuit of pitching options underscores their commitment to fortifying the roster for the upcoming season.