Yankees Fireballer Is Dark Horse Option To Make Club After Electric Start To Spring Training

The New York Yankees' bullpen will look different in 2024, but that doesn't mean the club can't see the same success it had last year.

New York had the best bullpen in 2023 but lost a few important arms this offseason in free agency. The Yankees have made a few intriguing additions, though, to help fill the holes left by players like Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton. 

One player who is seen as a dark horse option to make the Yankees' big league club after an impressive start to Spring Training is fireballer Nick Burdi, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

"Burdi has drawn high praise in camp after some electric live-batting practice and bullpen sessions, with manager Aaron Boone raving that the right-hander's stuff is 'as good as it gets,'" Hoch said. "In one mound assignment, Burdi gassed the likes of DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Volpe, and Giancarlo Stanton with his mix of a high-90s fastball, slider, and changeup.

"Having previously pitched in the Majors with the (Pittsburgh Pirates) and (Chicago Cubs), Burdi's biggest hurdle has been remaining healthy. He has rebounded from two Tommy John surgeries and a procedure to address thoracic outlet syndrome."

Burdi mixes is a blistering fastball that can reach 100 miles per hour with an intriguing arm slot which makes it difficult for right-handed batters. 

He has dealt with a plethora of injuries throughout his professional baseball career to this point but seems to be fully healthy. If he can stay healthy and continue to impress, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him taking the mound at Yankee Stadium in 2024.