**Yankees Sign Left-Handed Reliever Tim Mayza to Minor-League Contract**
The New York Yankees have signed left-handed reliever Tim Mayza to a minor-league contract, sending him to Triple-A Scranton to try to turn around his difficult 2024 season. This signing is noteworthy as Mayza comes from a division rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, where he has spent his entire professional career since debuting in 2017. Despite being a consistent bullpen presence for Toronto, he was designated for assignment on June 29th.
Mayza’s performance has significantly declined from 2023 to 2024. After achieving an impressive 1.52 ERA over 50 innings in 2023, his ERA has skyrocketed this year, allowing 22 runs in 24.2 innings, leading to his release.
Yankees fans might remember him as the pitcher who gave up Aaron Judge’s record-tying 61st home run in 2022.
Despite his struggles in 2024, Mayza has proven to be a reliable reliever in the past. His 2023 statistics, including a 1.219 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9, and 8.9 K/9, were consistent with his 2021-2022 numbers of a 1.043 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 8.9 K/9 over 124 games. Over his career with the Blue Jays, Mayza has a 3.87 ERA and a 3.63 FIP in nearly 300 innings, despite some challenging early years and his recent difficulties.
The Yankees’ bullpen, though statistically solid, has lacked a strong left-handed presence, particularly with the struggles of Caleb Ferguson and the departure of Victor González. If Mayza performs well in Triple-A, he could soon join the major league team. Notably, in his strong 2023 season, he held left-handed hitters to a sub-.300 slugging percentage.
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