Yankees 'Pretty High' on Powerful Brent Headrick as He Fights for Bullpen Spot

Lefty reliever flashed potential last season, could make Yankees' postseason roster

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The New York Yankees are high on left-handed relief pitcher Brent Headrick as he competes for a spot in the team's bullpen this spring. Headrick, a 6-foot-6 power pitcher, showed promise last season when the Yankees were still determining how to best utilize him as a former starter. Manager Aaron Boone said Headrick made a strong case to be on the Yankees' postseason roster in 2025, though he ultimately did not make the cut, with Tim Hill being the team's only lefty reliever. Headrick is now entering his first full season as a full-time reliever and is feeling the best he has in his career, putting him in a strong position to earn a job in the Yankees' bullpen.

Why it matters

The Yankees are always looking to improve their bullpen, especially from the left side, and Headrick's potential power arm could provide a different look compared to the finesse lefties they currently have. His ability to make the postseason roster could be a key factor in the team's playoff hopes.

The details

Headrick, a 6-foot-6 left-hander, flashed his potential at times last season when the Yankees were still trying to figure out how to best use him as a former starter. Manager Aaron Boone said Headrick made a strong case to be on the Yankees' postseason roster in 2025, though he ultimately did not make the cut, with Tim Hill being the team's only lefty reliever. Now entering his first full season as a full-time reliever, Headrick is feeling the best he has in his career and is in a strong position to earn a job in the Yankees' bullpen.

  • Headrick made a strong case to be on the Yankees' postseason roster in 2025.

The players

Brent Headrick

A 6-foot-6 left-handed relief pitcher in the New York Yankees organization who is competing for a spot in the team's bullpen this spring.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Tim Hill

A left-handed relief pitcher who was the only lefty in the Yankees' bullpen in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“there was a strong case that he could've/should've been on our postseason roster”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (nypost.com)

The takeaway

The Yankees are high on Brent Headrick's potential as a power left-handed reliever, and his ability to make the postseason roster could be a key factor in the team's playoff hopes this year.