Yankees Announce Final Roster Move Before Leaving Tampa

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Mar 23, 2025 6:15 PM ET

The Yankees set their bullpen over the weekend, finalizing the group that will take the ball behind the rotation when the season opens Thursday afternoon against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium.

Wilking Rodríguez, a non-roster invitee who stayed in the mix until the final weekend, was optioned Sunday after the final game of spring at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Yankees will carry eight relievers into Opening Day: Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Yerry de los Santos, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., Yoendrys Gómez, and Brent Headrick.

Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year, takes over as closer after being acquired from the Brewers in December. Weaver is expected to serve as a late-inning fireman, while Cruz adds strikeout power after leading the majors with 14.72 K/9 last season.

Hill, signed in February, gives the Yankees a lefty specialist known for generating soft contact. Leiter Jr. returns to the bullpen mix after a solid showing in camp. Gómez, out of options, earned a spot and could serve in a multi-inning role. Headrick, a left-hander already on the 40-man roster, also brings length and flexibility.

The Yankees have said they are still monitoring other rosters as teams make final cuts ahead of Opening Day. Last week, general manager Brian Cashman indicated that the club remains open to possible upgrades if the right opportunity arises.

The Yankees have Jonathan Loaisiga, Ian Hamilton, Tyler Matzek, Clayton Beeter, and Jake Cousins starting the season on the injured list.

For now, the bullpen is set. The Yankees believe this group can lock down leads and give them enough depth to handle the early weeks of the regular season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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