The Yankees believe in second and third chances. The need to strengthen the pitching in the Bronx has led them to take extraordinary measures: to bet on right-handed pitcher Dylan Coleman. Offering him a minor league contract, New York is confident in the resurgence of the Missouri pitcher, however, the inevitable question arises: can Coleman regain the level that made him one of the most interesting prospects in the bullpen in MLB?
Dylan Coleman, a career full of ups and downs
Coleman had his best version in 2022 with the Kansas City Royals, when he posted a 2.78 ERA and a solid 24.6% strikeout rate. However, control was already a red flag, with a 12.8% walk rate. That problem was exacerbated in 2023, when his ERA jumped to 8.84 and his walk rate reached a worrying 19.8%.
The decline in his performance led the Royals to trade him to the Houston Astros, where his stint was practically testimonial: he pitched just one inning before being released. Coleman then signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a minor league contract, but control problems persisted.
In the Baltimore minor league system, he posted a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 innings, with the same number of strikeouts as walks. He was released in May, a blow that forced him to rethink his career.
After being cut from the Baltimore system, Dylan Coleman worked on his mechanics with Feole Pitching, a workshop specializing in pitcher development. There he made important adjustments to his repertoire, incorporating a cutter and a more powerful sinker.
Dylan Coleman arrives at the Yankees looking for redemption
According to his profile on MLB.com, Dylan Coleman joins the Yankees organization after an uneven run in recent seasons. Although it has not been confirmed whether the deal includes an invitation to spring camp, his arrival did not go unnoticed among New York fans.
According to recent reports, his fastball reached 100 mph again, a speed reminiscent of his best days with the Kansas City Royals, when he averaged more than 98 mph. However, in MLB, velocity alone is not enough if it is not accompanied by control and consistency.
For the Yankees, the signing of Coleman represents a low-risk investment. The organization trusts its renowned pitching development team to polish his mechanics and improve his command in the strike zone. Now it’s up to Coleman to prove that he can still shine in the Major Leagues.
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