Trade: NY Yankees Swing Deal With White Sox

With four relief arms currently dealing with injuries, the New York Yankees have acquired some bullpen depth, swinging a deal with the Chicago White Sox to bring in right-handed reliever Jake Cousins. And yes, he's NFL star quarterback Kirk Cousins' cousin. In return, the Yankees send cash considerations to Chicago.

Cousins (the pitcher) has a great arm, just like his more famous cousin. He's had limited major league exposure, but when he has pitched, it's been impressive, with a career 3.08 ERA and 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 52.2 innings, all with the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Jake Cousins is absolutely nasty and could be the next reclamation project for the #Yankees if he can stay healthy, the career numbers are strong

🔹3.08 ERA
🔹31.4% K%
🔹50.4% GB%
🔹38.7% Whiff%

Did Matt Blake and Sam Briend do it again? pic.twitter.com/0as397lTkR

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) March 31, 2024

Somehow, Cousins wasn't able to break camp with the lowly White Sox despite a strong spring training in which he recorded an 11:2 K/BB ratio in 7.0 innings, allowing just five hits and one earned run.

Despite his nice major league numbers, the 29-year-old has struggled in the minor leagues, oddly, with a 7.30 ERA in 13 appearances for Triple-A Nashville last season before the Houston Astros claimed him off waivers and assigned him to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he had a 6.00 ERA in 15 appearances. He signed a minor league deal with the White Sox in the offseason.

Cousins suffered an elbow injury to his UCL in 2022 which might've contributed to his struggles last season. 

The Yankees' bullpen is currently without Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, Lou Trivino and McKinley Moore. 

Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports