Yankees Take a Flyer on Dylan Coleman, Hoping to Rekindle Former Fireball Form
There was a time not too long ago when Dylan Coleman looked like a rising force in a big-league bullpen. Back in 2022, the right-hander was dealing for the Royals, posting a 2.78 ERA over 68 innings and striking out 71.
That kind of production doesn’t just happen by accident. Coleman had power stuff, a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, and the kind of presence on the mound that made you think he could be a late-inning weapon for years to come.
But as is often the case with relievers, the line between dominance and volatility can be razor-thin. Coleman’s command issues were always lurking in the shadows-even during that breakout 2022 campaign, he issued 37 walks.
Then came 2023, and the wheels started to come off. He struggled in both the majors and Triple-A, finishing the year with an 8.84 ERA in 18 1/3 innings for Kansas City and a 4.70 ERA in 30 2/3 innings at Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals moved on.
The Astros saw a potential reclamation project and brought him into their system ahead of the 2024 season. If any organization could unlock what was left in Coleman’s arm, it figured to be Houston, a team known for its analytical edge and pitching development infrastructure.
But instead of a revival, Coleman’s stint with the Astros was mostly a stumble. He made just one scoreless appearance in the big leagues and posted a 6.50 ERA across 36 games for Triple-A Sugar Land.
His fastball velocity dipped to 95.7 mph-still solid, but a noticeable drop from his peak-and the command issues persisted.
Last season, Coleman had a brief run in the Orioles’ minor-league system, appearing in just 11 games. The results weren’t memorable, and the questions about his future only grew louder.
But over the weekend, Coleman made it clear he’s not done yet. He announced on social media that he’s signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees, signaling both a fresh opportunity and a belief that there’s still something left in the tank. And yes, he broke the news himself-with a slick graphic and a simple message: “The next chapter.”
What the Yankees See in Coleman
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a headline-grabbing move. Coleman isn’t walking into a high-leverage role in the Bronx.
But this is the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward signing that smart front offices make when building out depth. The Yankees are giving themselves a look at a once-promising arm, and if he clicks-even for a stretch-it’s a win.
The Yankees' bullpen isn’t exactly locked in right now. There are question marks beyond the core group, and the team has shown a willingness to give second chances to arms with upside. Coleman fits the mold: big frame, big arm, and a track record-albeit a brief one-of success at the MLB level.
He’ll likely start the season in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where the Yankees can get a closer look at what he’s working with. Maybe the velocity ticks back up.
Maybe the command sharpens. Or maybe he’s just a solid depth piece who can eat innings in the minors.
Either way, it’s a no-lose situation for New York.
The Road Back Isn’t Easy, But It’s Open
The odds are long. Coleman’s recent track record doesn’t scream “next breakout bullpen star.” But relievers are notoriously unpredictable, and all it takes is one adjustment-whether it’s mechanical, mental, or something found in the lab-to turn things around.
If Coleman does make an appearance in pinstripes this year, it’ll probably be in a low-leverage spot-think a 7-2 lead in a spring training game where you’re still irrationally worried when he walks the first two batters. But that’s the nature of these deals. They’re about upside, about finding value where others stopped looking.
The Yankees saw something worth exploring. Now it’s up to Coleman to show there’s still some fire behind that fastball.