What's Happening?
The New York Yankees have signed Drake Fellows, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, to a free agent contract. Fellows, known for his strong slider, was previously part of the Pittsburgh Pirates' system. The signing
was reported by Jon Heyman, who noted Fellows' potential as a bullpen candidate due to his high strikeout rate with his slider. Fellows, a product of Vanderbilt's pitching program, was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2019 but never pitched for them. He has spent the last two seasons at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he improved his ERA from 5.73 in 2024 to 4.41 in 2025. In the 2025 season, he recorded 94 strikeouts and 46 walks over 112.1 innings. The Yankees targeted Fellows early in the offseason, indicating their interest in his potential as a relief pitcher.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Drake Fellows by the Yankees is a strategic move to enhance their bullpen depth. With his impressive slider and potential for high strikeouts, Fellows could become a valuable asset for the Yankees. This move reflects the team's ongoing efforts to strengthen their pitching staff, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the MLB. The addition of Fellows is a low-risk investment that could yield significant returns if he adapts well to the major league level. For the Yankees, bolstering their bullpen is essential to support their starting rotation and improve their overall pitching performance.
What's Next?
Fellows will likely join the Yankees' spring training to compete for a spot in the bullpen. His performance during this period will determine his role in the upcoming season. The Yankees' coaching staff will focus on refining his fastball to complement his slider, potentially increasing his effectiveness as a relief pitcher. If Fellows can improve his consistency and control, he may secure a regular spot in the Yankees' bullpen. The team's management will monitor his progress closely, as his development could impact their pitching strategy for the season.
