New York teams rely on bullpen strategy this season

Baseball fans in New York should get ready for a season focused on "Bullpen Ball." This means that many games for both the Yankees and the Mets will rely heavily on relief pitchers instead of starting pitchers. In modern baseball, analytics have changed how teams use their pitchers. The focus on limiting starting pitchers to about 100 pitches has made it hard for those who can go deep into games to remain in the lineup. Currently, there are only 12 pitchers in the league averaging over 6.0 innings per start, with Yankees star Gerrit Cole on the list. The Yankees believe that having a strong top-of-the-rotation starter is still vital for reaching the World Series. This winter, Yankees GM Brian Cashman made a big investment in pitching by signing Max Fried for eight years at $218 million. Even though Fried averages 5.7 innings per start, he has shown he can pitch deeper into games. Unfortunately, injury setbacks have forced the Yankees to adjust their rotation, losing Cole for the season after surgery and another key pitcher until July. Meanwhile, Mets GM David Stearns took a different approach. After losing key pitchers, he signed a few shorter-term contracts for replacements, opting not to pursue big-name free agents like Fried. As a result, the Mets will also rely on their bullpen. With injuries to some starters, their rotation is weaker than expected. Overall, both teams have solid lineups, but their success in the postseason may come down to the effectiveness of their bullpens. The Yankees and Mets are both preparing for a season where relief pitching could be the key to reaching the World Series.