Trade with Rays Brings Bullpen Help to Yankees with Right-Handed Pitcher

Hints before their Opening Day win over the Giants suggested the Yankees were close to securing a pitcher. Hours later, the team confirmed acquiring right-hander Colten Brewer, who had been with the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor-league deal. In return, the Rays received cash considerations.

The trade was announced by both teams. “We have a potential deal going that will probably change that in the next day or two,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said pre-game. “A pitcher could be play for us.”

Outfielder Estevan Florial, initially expected to be part of the trade due to his lack of options, was not included.

According to a Yankees press release:

Brewer, 30, spent most of the 2022 season with Triple-A Omaha in the Royals organization, posting a 1-1 record, one save, and a 4.76 ERA over 36 relief appearances. He was released in August 2022, later joining the Rays as a minor league free agent and pitching 9.1 scoreless innings in spring training. Brewer’s Major League experience includes stints with the Padres and Red Sox, compiling a 5.04 ERA over 81 games.

Originally from Dallas, Brewer was drafted by the Pirates in 2011. He was later selected by the Yankees in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft and signed with the Padres in 2017. The Red Sox acquired him in exchange for INF Esteban Quiroz in 2018.

While the Rays didn’t see an immediate Major League role for Brewer, the Yankees will add him to their bullpen. Brewer, out of minor league options, must remain on the active roster or be offered to other teams once his contract is selected. With between two and three years of service, Brewer could enter arbitration next winter if he stays on the roster all season.

The Yankees, currently at a full 40-man roster, will need to make a corresponding move to finalize Brewer’s acquisition. They may move injured players like Ben Rortvedt, Lou Trivino, or Tommy Kahnle to the 60-day injured list if long-term absences are anticipated.