Yankees Swing Trade For Reliever, As Boone Promised

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters before his club's Opening Day game that the team was "working on something" to bring in a reliever. That has now come to fruition, as the Yankees have swung a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-hander Colten Brewer.

RHP Colten Brewer, who was reassigned by #Rays to minors, instead will go to #Yankees and be added to their 40-man roster via an assignment clause

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 30, 2023

The Rays were set to send the fifth-year reliever to the minors, but instead, he'll now be added to the Yanks' 40-man roster and will be plugged right into the bullpen. This is obviously the move that Boone referred to on Thursday when explaining why he had just seven active relievers for Opening Day. 

The 30-year-old spent four seasons with the Boston Red Sox, last appearing in the majors with them in 2021. Last year, he spent the season at Triple-A in the Kansas City Royals organization. 

In his four big league seasons with Boston, Brewer posted a 5.04 ERA in 91 innings pitched, with an untenable 1.83 WHIP. Walks have been a big problem, as he's issued 5.7 free passes per nine innings. 

He had a very nice spring for the Rays, however, going unscored on in nine innings pitched, striking out 15 while walking only three. If he can maintain those types of numbers, he could stick with the Yankees, who have some injury woes on their pitching staff, with two key relievers, Lou Trivino and Tommy Kahnle, both out. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports