Rays sign rumored Yankees target as New York misses out on another pitcher.

The New York Yankees have ruled out another alternative. The Yankees have been looking for ways to enhance their bullpen, but the best alternatives are quickly disappearing. New York was linked to Héctor Neris, Wandy Peralta, Keynan Middleton, and Phil Maton, although all have since signed elsewhere. Maton is the latest to agree to terms with a new team, with the Tampa Bay Rays purportedly swooping in and grabbing him, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

According to Feinsand, right-handed

pitcher Phil Maton is close to signing with the Rays. “Maton had a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Astros in 2023.” Maton was one of the top relievers available in free agency this offseason, and he would have made an excellent fit for New York. He had a 3.00 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 74-to-25 in 66 innings pitched, and his advanced numbers were even better. This offseason, New York made considerable improvements to the team, but the bullpen has suffered greatly. Peralta and Middleton were key arms for the Yankees last season, and both will play somewhere in 2024.

The Yankees must now start again from scratch. There are still some fascinating alternatives available, but the Yankees must act soon if they want to sign one. Free agency has recently picked up, and people are landing agreements as Spring Training approaches. It is unknown what New York will do next, but it is evident that it must do something.