Yankees Eye Dylan Coleman as Potential Bullpen Reclamation Project

The Yankees are on a quest to rejuvenate their bullpen, an area that has historically been one of the team’s strongest assets. Over the past decade, New York has excelled at identifying and developing talented arms that have struggled elsewhere, exemplified by the likes of Clay Holmes and Lucas Luetge in 2021 and Ian Hamilton and Luke Weaver in 2023. However, last season saw a decline in their bullpen’s effectiveness, ranking 21st in value according to FanGraphs, which contributed to their postseason shortcomings.

To turn things around, the Yankees are keen to discover a game-changer, and Dylan Coleman might just fit the bill. The 29-year-old right-hander is in camp as a non-roster invitee, boasting an impressive arm that can reach speeds of 100 mph. In his first two seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Coleman showcased his potential, posting a 2.66 ERA across 74 ⅓ innings.

However, 2023 was a challenging year for Coleman. After a difficult season, he was traded to the Houston Astros but faced struggles at Triple-A and was subsequently released in August. His journey took another turn when he joined the Baltimore Orioles, where he appeared in 11 minor league games before being cut in May.

It was during this tumultuous period that Coleman believes he found his turning point. He took time away from organized baseball and trained with Mason Feole, a pitching instructor in Rhode Island. Coleman reported a significant uptick in velocity, stating that he went from throwing in the low 90s to reaching 99-100 mph in just a few days of training. “Went up there [to Rhode Island] after I got released,” Coleman recalled. “Five days later, I was like 99, 100 or so.”

Encouraged by his progress, Coleman continued to work with Feole over the offseason, focusing on fine-tuning his mechanics. They addressed critical aspects such as syncing his arm and body, improving his release timing, and correcting his delivery direction to ensure he moved straight toward the plate instead of veering left. “When my direction is good, the throw takes care of itself,” he explained.

In addition to refining his mechanics, Coleman has introduced a sinker to his pitching repertoire, which already features a hard four-seamer, a sweeper, and a cutter. The Yankees have taken a chance on this promising arm, recognizing his potential to be optioned to the minors if necessary.

So far in the Grapefruit League, Coleman has made an impression, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing three hits and a walk, alongside two strikeouts. More importantly, he feels confident in his mechanics and is excited about his increasing velocity. “I’m in a way better spot than I’ve been in a while,” Coleman said after a recent live batting practice session at Steinbrenner Field.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.