TRADE REPORT: Yankees trade for intriguing left-handed reliever to bolster bullpen

Following the announcement that Scott Effross would miss multiple months of the season due to back surgery in December, the New York Yankees announced the acquisition of left-handed reliever Clayton Andrews in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. The accompanying move for Andrews’ acquisition is to place the aforementioned Scott Effross on the 60-day disabled list, and the team will send over DSL prospect Joshua Quezada to complete the trade. Clayton Andrews had a 27.00 ERA in four Brewers appearances, but he looked fantastic in Triple-A.

Last season in Triple-A, the left-handed reliever struck out 74 batters in 48 appearances while throwing a fastball, slider, and changeup.

Clayton Andrews Brings Left-Handed Depth to the Yankees
Clayton Andrews is a one-of-a-kind pitcher who is just 5’6 and has a lower slot release because to his diminutive body, which allows his fastball to play up in the strike zone. His fastball averages 94-95 mph, and while it lacks excellent vertical movement, the peculiar release height makes it a quality pitch. His two strongest pitches are his slider and changeup, both of which had Whiff Rates near 50% in Triple-A this season. There’s a lot to like about his arm movement and pitch profile, and if the Yankees call him up, he should fit nicely in the backend of their bullpen.

Andrews, who is entering his 27th season, still has two Minor League options if the Yankees elect to keep him at Triple-A, but don’t be surprised if he gets a job in Spring Training. The fact that they would not see Scott Effross until the summer, plus with any other potential ailments that will surface throughout the season, might lead to a promotion for the southpaw, and he could be another left-handed weapon for the Bronx Bombers and manager Aaron Boone.
The fact that Scott Effross would miss a significant portion of the season did not trigger the deal; the team was likely aware of the procedure long before it was made public, but this surely helps to alleviate concerns about their depth. It also appears that there is some progress on a deal with Lou Trivino, who is recuperating from Tommy John surgery and was acquired by the Yankees in the Frankie Montas trade in 2022. As the Yankees continue to bolster their bullpen depth, minor moves like this one can go a long way, and Brian Cashman will continue to look for possibilities.

Matt Krook was recently designated for assignment, and he was one of the few left-handed relievers in the organization who could be promoted during the season, thus Clayton Andrews fills their requirement for left-handed pitching depth very nicely. Andrews has been with the Brewers since being chosen out of Cal State in 2018, and he has always worked as a reliever, so that is where he will stay in the Bronx. He collects a lot of groundballs and has a high swing-and-miss rate, and with a larger sample size, he could make it to the Major Leagues.

Spring Training will present some new obstacles as players take the mound or the batter’s box for real matchups, and news regarding roster changes will circulate as well. Today was the first day that teams could place players on the 60-day disabled list, and there has been a frenzy of activity now that they can clear slots on the 40-man roster. Expect Lou Trivino to join with the team soon, and bullpen acquisitions to continue.