The New York Yankees have called up 27-year-old reliever Bradley Hanner from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hoping he can become the latest success story from their minor league system to bolster a bullpen that has seen mixed results throughout the season. Hanner's promotion on Tuesday came after Kervin Castro was placed on the injured list.
Hanner, drafted in the 21st round in 2019, has yet to make his Major League Baseball debut. In an era that often emphasizes high velocity, Hanner's pitching relies on effective arm angles and a four-seamer that averaged 93.7 mph in his last minor league outing, complemented by a sinker, cutter, and sweeper. Manager Aaron Boone noted that velocity is not the sole determinant of a pitcher's effectiveness, stating that "a guy doesn’t light up the radar gun… doesn’t mean he doesn’t have good stuff."
The Yankees have found success with other relievers from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, including Yerry De los Santos, who posted a 1.00 ERA in six appearances, and Kervin Castro, who had a 1.42 ERA in five appearances before his injury. Angel Chivilli also showed promise with a 0.57 ERA before being optioned.
Hanner's opportunity with the major league club could be temporary, potentially closing when Castro returns from the injured list. Boone mentioned that Hanner had been considered for a call-up for over a month. Hanner himself expressed a desire to soak in the experience and focus on contributing to the team's success without looking too far ahead.
HIs path to the Yankees involved a minor league deal in the offseason after previously being with the Twins and Guardians. He triggered an opt-out clause on July 15, which led to the Yankees selecting his contract and adding him to their 40-man roster, giving him a renewed belief in his chances of reaching the majors this year. In Triple-A, Hanner compiled a 2.10 ERA over 40 appearances, recording a 29.0 strikeout percentage and an 11.4 walk percentage.
He acknowledged that his game is not built on overpowering hitters but rather on attacking the strike zone. "Velo is king now, but throwing strikes is also king," Hanner told The Post. Data from his minor league career indicates that right-handed hitters batted just .167 against him in Triple-A in 2026, and the Yankees plan to utilize this strength by matching him against right-handed batters.
Hanner's call-up also highlights the Yankees' approach at the trade deadline, where they opted not to acquire additional bullpen help. Instead, the team has relied on pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt returning from injury and shifting starters to the bullpen, a strategy Boone described as delicate.
With just over 40 games remaining in the regular season, Hanner is set to occupy one of the final spots in the Yankees' bullpen. "Fernando Cruz told me, 'You only debut once,' " Hanner said. "Take everything in. Enjoy it. … The rest will take care of itself. I’m not looking down the road. Like, I’m looking to help this team win and whatever happens, happens."