The last time the New York Yankees traded with the Chicago Cubs for bullpen help, it ended poorly when Scott Effross required Tommy John surgery and a subsequent back procedure during his rehab, costing the organization top pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski.
On Tuesday, the Yankees made another bullpen deal with the Cubs, acquiring Mark Leiter Jr. in exchange for prospects Ben Cowles and Jack Neely. Cowles, an infielder, was the Yankees’ No. 29-ranked prospect, while Neely, a right-handed reliever, ranked 22nd.
Leiter Jr. has put together a solid body of work from 2022 to 2024. With the Cubs, he has a 3.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 3.62 FIP across 143 games, striking out 203 batters over 168 1/3 innings. His peripheral metrics, particularly in 2024, have been impressive.
Leiter’s five-pitch mix of sinker, split-finger, curveball, sweeper, and cutter adds a new dynamic to the Yankees’ bullpen, and he is controllable through 2026. However, Neely had shown significant progress in the Yankees’ system over the last two years and seemed poised for big-league action as early as September when rosters expanded.
Given how much the Yankees needed to address at the trade deadline, this move could be seen as an overpay. While Leiter Jr. is a valuable addition, the cost of trading away promising prospects like Neely, who was on the verge of contributing at the major league level, might be considered steep. The Yankees may have prioritized immediate bullpen reinforcement over long-term potential, raising questions about whether they effectively balanced their short-term and long-term needs.
Yankees make questionable trade with Cubs to bolster ailing bullpen
Adding to the analysis, Cowles is having a strong season with Double-A Somerset, hitting .295 with an .848 OPS in 88 games. His versatility as a second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop, along with his production—nine homers, 51 RBI, and 14 stolen bases—makes his inclusion in the trade significant.
Prospects like Cowles can be volatile, but they also carry substantial potential. Given the need to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, this trade might also have been influenced by roster management considerations.
Leiter Jr.’s acquisition brings proven big-league talent to the bullpen, which is often a safer bet for teams aiming for immediate success. However, the jury is still out on whether Leiter Jr. will be a perfect fit. His elevated ERA (4.21) compared to a very good FIP (2.11) suggests he may be experiencing some bad luck, and the high batting average on balls in play (.301) despite a low opposing average (.196) could indicate that his situation might not improve immediately in New York.
Leiter’s ability to generate swings and misses is a valuable trait for a bullpen that needs a boost in strikeouts. With the asking prices for relievers being high, Brian Cashman’s move to acquire a potentially cost-effective option with a similar profile might have been a strategic decision.
Neely’s readiness for the big leagues makes his departure particularly notable, and how Leiter Jr. integrates into the bullpen will be closely watched. If Leiter struggles, the trade could be scrutinized, especially given Neely’s proximity to the majors.
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