The Yankees non-tendered five relievers, including Effross and Cousins, to overhaul a struggling bullpen and save $6M.

The New York Yankees non-tendered five relievers—Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Effross, Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and Michael Arias—ahead of the 2025 deadline, clearing roster space and saving about $6 million. The moves reflect a major bullpen overhaul after a 4.37 ERA in 2025, with key players like Effross and Cousins underperforming or sidelined by injury. Cousins will miss 2026 after Tommy John surgery, while Effross struggled with a 7.71 ERA. The team is rebuilding its relief corps, with David Bednar expected to be the closer, and faces challenges adding starting pitching, bench depth, and impact hitters amid financial constraints.