After not throwing a single pitch at the Major League level last season, it’s no surprise that the Yankees declined the $5 million option on Lou Trivino for the 2025 season. The right-hander has not pitched at the big league level since 2022 as he struggles to recover from a torn UCL in 2023 that required Tommy John surgery. He pitched in Double-A and Triple-A this season, putting up a combined 4.91 ERA in 11 innings of work, struggling to throw strikes and also seeing a decline in his fastball velocity.

The Yankees could bring back the veteran right-hander on a cheaper free agency deal, but as SNY’s Andy Martino first reported, Lou Trivino’s option has been declined.

Yankees choose to decline Lou Trivino’s 2025 option

It’s been a frustrating season for Lou Trivino, who signed with the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season in hopes of bouncing back from UCL surgery and returning to the big league roster. The right-hander was excellent for New York when they first acquired him in the much-criticized Frankie Montas trade, appearing in 25 games and posting a 1.66 ERA.

Following a strong first impression, Trivino would tear up his UCL in early 2023, with the Yankees not tendering him after the season before bringing him back on a cheaper deal. We could see the same thing happening this offseason after he declined his $5 million option for the 2025 season, as his stuff never returned to form and his performance in Triple-A indicated he wasn’t not the same as in previous years. .

Declining Trivino’s option doesn’t completely exclude him from the Yankees’ plans, there appears to be a good relationship there and the Yankees have liked him for some time. The right-hander could be a nice depth addition at a cheaper price, especially with the large number of key free agents the Yankees may need to replace in their bullpen. Clay Holmes, Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle have played integral roles in the 2024 bullpen, and all three are headed to free agency this winter.

Additionally, the Yankees may have trouble attracting big-time relief talent due to their looming pursuit of Juan Soto, who immediately made his impact felt in the Bronx during his first season here. Many believe the superstar outfielder could get a $600 or $700 million contract, which would set current value records unless the money is deferred in the same way Shohei Ohtani did with the Dodgers Los Angeles.

There was no question of the Yankees paying $5 million for Lou Trivino’s services in 2025, and they are still wondering if they will add a fifth year to Gerrit Cole’s contract to void his opt-out right. exercised yesterday.