Yankees decline $5 million 2025 option on veteran bullpen arm

Not surprisingly, no pitches were thrown at the Major League level last season. Yankees rejected a $5 million option on Lou Trivino for the 2025 season. The right-hander hasn’t pitched at the major league level since 2022 as he struggled to fight back from a torn UCL in 2023 that required Tommy John surgery. He has pitched in Double-A and Triple-A this season, posting a total of 4.91 ERA in 11 innings of work, struggling to throw hits while also seeing his fastball velocity dip.

The Yankees could have brought back the veteran right-hander on a cheaper deal in free agency, but as first reported by SNY’s Andy Martino, Lou Trivino’s option has been declined.

Yankees opt to decline Lou Trivino’s 2025 offer

It’s been a disappointing season for Lou Trivino, who signed with the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season in hopes of recovering from Champions League surgery and returning to the major league lineup. The right-hander was excellent for New York when they first acquired him in the much-criticized Frankie Montas trade, appearing in 25 games and posting a 1.66 ERA.

After a strong first impression, Trivino would tear up his UCL in early 2023 when the Yankees non-tendered him after the season before bringing him back on a cheaper deal. We could see the same thing happening this offseason after they declined his $5 million option for the 2025 season as his stuff never returned to form and his performance in Triple-A indicated that that he is no longer the same as he was in previous years. .

Not selecting Trivino doesn’t rule him out of the Yankees’ plans entirely, there seems to be a good relationship there and the Yankees have liked him for quite some time. The right-hander could be a nice addition at a lower price, especially given the plethora of key free agents the Yankees may have to replace in their bullpen. Clay Holmes, Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle were vital to the 2024 bullpen, and all three will hit free agency this winter.

Additionally, the Yankees may have some trouble finding talented players due to the looming pursuit of Juan Soto, who immediately made his presence felt in the Bronx in his first season here. Many have speculated that the superstar outfielder could get a deal worth $600 million or $700 million, which would set records at today’s value unless the money is put aside the same way Shohei Ohtani did with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There was no way the Yankees could pay $5 million for Lou Trivino’s services in 2025, and they are still considering whether they will add a fifth year to Gerrit Cole’s contract to void the waiver he exercised yesterday.