Yankees Sign Seth Lugo, Bolstering Bullpen for 2023

Former Met Adds Depth and Experience to New York's Relief Corps

Lugo's Addition Strengthens Yankees' Postseason Hopes

The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to a two-year, $17 million contract, the team announced Monday. Lugo, 30, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New York Mets, where he established himself as a reliable and versatile reliever.

Lugo will join a Yankees bullpen that already features All-Stars Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga. He is expected to play a key role in the late innings, providing manager Aaron Boone with a veteran arm he can rely on in high-leverage situations.

Lugo's signing is the latest in a series of moves by the Yankees to bolster their bullpen for the 2023 season. The team also acquired Scott Effross from the Chicago Cubs and re-signed Tommy Kahnle.

The Yankees' bullpen was a major weakness in 2022, ranking 22nd in the majors in ERA (4.02). Lugo's addition should help stabilize the unit and give the Yankees a better chance of making a deep run in the playoffs.

Lugo's Strengths and Weaknesses

Lugo is a sinkerballer who relies on his ability to generate ground balls. He has a good fastball that sits in the low 90s, as well as a changeup and slider that he can use to keep hitters off balance.

Lugo's biggest weakness is his command. He can be prone to walks, and he has struggled at times to throw strikes consistently.

Lugo's Role with the Yankees

Lugo is expected to be used in a variety of roles out of the Yankees' bullpen. He could be used as a setup man for Holmes and Loaisiga, or he could be used in a more traditional long relief role.

Lugo's versatility will be a valuable asset for the Yankees, as Boone will be able to use him in a variety of ways depending on the situation.

Yankees' Bullpen Outlook for 2023

With the addition of Lugo, the Yankees' bullpen looks much stronger heading into the 2023 season. The team now has a solid mix of experience and youth, and they should be able to count on their bullpen to be a strength in 2023.

The Yankees' bullpen is now one of the best in the American League. With Lugo, Holmes, Loaisiga, Effross, and Kahnle, the Yankees have a group of relievers that can match up with any team in baseball.

Conclusion

The signing of Seth Lugo is a significant addition for the New York Yankees. Lugo is a proven reliever who will help to stabilize the Yankees' bullpen and give the team a better chance of making a deep run in the playoffs.