Cruz’s injury adds to a bullpen already facing uncertainty, one that has leaned on several pitchers who recently joined the big league bullpen or signed with the club, including Justin Topa and Michael Fulmer.
One potential addition for the Yankees has emerged as a former designatee-for-assignment reliever from another organization hits the open market. John King, a 31-year-old left-hander, was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins after a notable 2026 campaign. He cleared waivers and was released after choosing to forgo a minor league assignment. King has five years of MLB service time.
In 2026, King appeared in 50 games, posting a 6-2 record with a 3.99 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 49.2 innings. He began his MLB career with the Texas Rangers in 2020, spending four seasons with them before moving to the St. Louis Cardinals for three years. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Marlins this past offseason.
With Cruz sidelined, fans have circulated calls on social media for the Yankees to consider King. Supporters highlighted his 1.01 WHIP as a strong selling point and urged the front office to pounce. Some comments suggested that King could be an appealing addition, given his experience and performance, though questions about workload and arm durability were raised by others.
As the Yankees navigate a bullpen that has been tested by injuries and roster changes, prospective reinforcements like King could become options if they decide to add depth for the stretch run. The team will assess bullpen needs in the coming days as they seek to stabilize relief pitching for the remainder of the season.
