Cruz impressed in spring training and has pitched well in the minors, featuring an overpowering fastball that averages about 100.6 mph and peaks near 101.5 mph. He’s previously spent time in the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres organizations, where command was a noted hurdle.
In 2024, Cruz posted a 3.03 ERA with the Red Sox’s Double-A team, fanning 72 in 59.1 innings but issuing 44 walks. To begin this season in Triple-A, he is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA across 7.1 innings, with 11 strikeouts and just two walks.
The Yankees have been juggling middle-inning relievers, with a core group of top relievers delivering steady results while others have struggled. After the trusted names, players such as Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough have not been consistently trusted in high-leverage spots, and Jake Bird, Yerry De los Santos, and Angel Chivilli have faced challenges.
Manager Aaron Boone has stressed opportunities for relievers to seize roles, suggesting real options could emerge as the season progresses. Pitching coach Matt Blake has noted that relievers are inherently volatile, adding teams can uncover under-the-radar arms or adjust approaches to find “lightning in a bottle.”
On the pitching front, New York anticipates a positive development with Gerrit Cole’s rehab progression. Cole is set for a rehab start at Double-A Somerset, beginning a measured return that Boone says will be conservative even once he re-joins the majors, with an initial plan around 40 pitches.
