The New York Yankees have a formidable bullpen already, and they may strengthen it even further during the offseason.

The Yankees’ bullpen was one of the team’s bright spots despite the team’s disappointing 82 wins. Thanks in large part to the performance of closer Clay Holmes and other relievers like Michael King and Ian Hamilton, New York’s bullpen had the lowest earned run average in MLB at 3.34. Yahoo Japan reports that the Yankees are interested in Japanese closer Yuki Matsui this offseason, despite the fact that the team’s bullpen is already a strength.

It’s too early to know if a relocation will occur. Despite becoming a free agent on the global stage, Matsui may end up back in Japan. He may or may not end up signing with a Major League Baseball team. Nine teams have scouted the closer, including New York. The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres are also among them.

If the Yankees were able to sign Matsui this offseason, he would most likely contribute right away to the relief corps. The 27-year-old has a career 2.43 earned run average (ERA) in 517 games for the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. With 236 saves in his career, Matsui is an intriguing addition to an already potent New York bullpen.

Only once in the last five years has Matsui posted an earned run average (ERA) above 2.00, and in 2023 he was sensational with a 1.57 ERA in 59 appearances and 39 saves. It’s way too early to tell if the Yankees have a shot at signing Matsui, but he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.