The Yankees have secured a small victory in their ongoing roster management, winning their arbitration case against veteran reliever Mark Leiter Jr. Instead of the $2.5 million he sought, Leiter will earn a modest $2.05 million for the 2025 season. In a sport where the margin between success and failure is often measured in inches—or, in this case, dollars—every little bit helps.
A Tale of Two Seasons
Leiter’s 2024 campaign was a tale of two teams. Between the Cubs and the Yankees, he logged 50 innings and posted a 4.50 ERA. But his performance in pinstripes was far from stellar, recording a 4.98 ERA over 21.2 innings. While his strikeout rate was elite at 13.71 K/9, walks, and home runs tarnished his overall contributions.
Yet, when the lights were brightest, Leiter showed up. In the postseason, he tightened things up considerably, pitching 5.1 innings with a sparkling 1.69 ERA. It was a timely reminder that, despite his regular-season struggles, Leiter still has the ability to be a difference-maker in high-leverage situations.
Unlocking Leiter’s Potential
Leiter’s high strikeout rate offers a glimpse of his potential to be a shutdown reliever, but his issues with command and the long ball are the warts that keep him from being a reliable option every night. For the Yankees, the key will be refining his mechanics and pitch selection to minimize damage. With a bit of polish from the coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Matt Blake, Leiter could be a bullpen weapon rather than a liability.
The Financial Flexibility Factor
Winning this arbitration case might seem like a small win in the grand scheme of a multimillion-dollar payroll, but it’s emblematic of the Yankees’ broader strategy to maintain financial flexibility while still fielding a competitive team. With every dollar saved, the Yankees gain a bit more room to maneuver as they eye bigger acquisitions or look to shore up other parts of the roster.
- Yankees preparing to have a brand new leadoff hitter in 2025
- Yankees could salary dump veteran pitcher to 3 different teams
- Yankees could target last remaining high-upside free agent infielder
In the end, the Yankees get a high-upside bullpen arm at a bargain rate. If Leiter can harness his strikeout abilities and limit his mistakes, the Yankees will walk away with plenty of value to apply.