MLB News: Brooks Raley Reportedly Eyed by Yankees, Cubs amid Multiyear Contract Talks

Veteran relief pitcher Brooks Raley is garnering interest in free agency and could sign a multiyear contract, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon.

Rosenthal and Sammon reported the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs have both "checked in" with Raley's representatives.

The southpaw is all but assured of missing at least a portion of the 2025 MLB season. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May, and the recovery period from the procedure extends for a year or more. Per The Athletic, Raley is hopeful of getting back on the mound by July.

Rosenthal and Sammon noted there are some examples of teams signing a reliever coming off Tommy John surgery with an eye toward seeing any returns far down the line.

Liam Hendriks most recently got a two-year deal from the Boston Red Sox in 2024 when they knew he'd be out for the first few months at a minimum. The three-time All-Star ultimately didn't pitch at all.

Rosenthal explained how Raley could be an impact contributor at an opportune time if he's available for the stretch run. He might also emerge as a trade chip this time next winter thanks to his reputation.

Between 2022 and 2023, the 36-year-old had a 2.74 ERA and a 3.21 FIP while averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings, according to Baseball Reference. He opened 2024 by throwing seven scoreless innings and fanning nine batters in eight appearances.

The three-batter minimum in MLB has diminished the value of left-handed specialists somewhat, but they haven't fallen out of style completely.

The Yankees in particular could use a lefty because their bullpen is entirely right-handed for the time being. Signing Raley wouldn't immediately address that concern, so it's an issue that needs to be addressed regardless.

The Cubs are likewise light on lefties but do have Caleb Thielbar under contract. Once he's healthy, Raley would probably slot into the late-inning role that Drew Smyly occupied last year.