Hold onto your pinstripes, Yankees fans—Fernando Cruz might just be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed! This is exactly what Brian Cashman had in mind: snagging a couple of "lightning in a bottle" guys who could set spring training ablaze. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson is all-in on Cruz as a breakout candidate, saying he’s got "high confidence" that the right-hander is ready to make a leap in 2025.
Okay, sure—Cruz was on last year’s breakout list too, and usually, that’s a bit like showing up to summer school: not ideal. But Cruz’s story feels different. A change of scenery could be just the magic spell he needs to transform into a Bronx gem. The smart money says the Yankees will toss Cruz’s ineffective cutter into the Hudson River—a pitch that served up nine of his 15 home runs allowed over the past two seasons. Instead, expect New York to unleash his filthy splitter, following the blueprint they used with Tommy Kahnle and his devastating changeup. That splitter isn’t just good; it’s downright disrespectful to hitters, holding them to a minuscule .353 OPS over the last two years. With a few tweaks, Cruz could morph into a high-leverage nightmare for Aaron Boone and the defending American League champs.
With the return of Luke Weaver and the addition of Devin Williams, the Yankees’ bullpen was already shaping up to be a strength. But if Cruz can cash in on this breakout potential, that bullpen could go from "tough" to "absolutely terrifying." Let’s not forget, the Yankees sent José Treviño to the Cincinnati Reds this offseason to snag Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. Now it’s Cruz’s turn to make the Yankees look like trade wizards.
Get ready for some Cruz control in the Bronx—this ride could get wild!
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