By Lucas Henderson | June 3, 2025
In a dramatic and potentially game-changing decision, the New York Yankees have officially named rookie right-hander Clayton Beeter as their new closer, signaling a decisive shift in bullpen leadership as the club eyes a strong postseason push. The move was confirmed Tuesday afternoon by the front office, putting one of the organization’s most electric young arms at the center of high-leverage moments.
Beeter, 25, has been one of the standout performers in the Yankees’ farm system over the past year, quickly rising through the ranks with his overpowering fastball, sharp breaking stuff, and fearless mound presence. Acquired in 2022 from the Dodgers in the Joey Gallo trade, the former Texas Tech standout has seen his stock rise steadily thanks to refined command and elite strikeout rates.
Pitching this season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Beeter posted a 2.39 ERA over 26.1 innings, striking out 39 while limiting opposing batters to a .191 average. His fastball routinely sits in the upper 90s and has touched 100 mph, while his slider has become a legitimate swing-and-miss weapon. His ability to control both pitches in high-pressure spots made him an obvious candidate when the Yankees began reevaluating their bullpen roles.
“We’ve been watching Clayton very closely,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “He’s got the tools, he’s got the temperament, and right now we need someone who can shut the door consistently in the ninth. He’s earned this chance.”
The move comes as the Yankees look to stabilize a bullpen that’s struggled with late-inning consistency in recent weeks. With Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle both faltering in high-leverage situations, and injuries affecting bullpen depth, the Yankees saw Beeter as more than just a prospect—they saw a solution.
“Clayton gives us a shot of adrenaline back there,” said pitching coach Matt Blake. “He’s got power, but he also has a plan. You don’t often see young guys come up with that kind of confidence and control, especially under the lights in New York.”
Beeter is expected to debut as the closer during the Yankees’ upcoming home series against the Minnesota Twins. The team currently sits atop the AL East, but with the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox close behind, every win counts—and every late-inning situation matters even more.
To make room for Beeter on the 26-man roster, the Yankees optioned reliever Ron Marinaccio to Triple-A. The message is clear: New York is all-in on Beeter’s potential to lock down the ninth inning for the foreseeable future.
The rookie, for his part, isn’t shying away from the challenge.
“This is what I’ve worked for,” Beeter said in his first remarks after the promotion. “I know the history of this franchise and what it means to wear this jersey. I’m ready to go out there, compete, and do my job—one pitch at a time.”
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Beeter handles the heat of the Bronx spotlight. If his minor league numbers and mound demeanor are any indication, the Yankees may have just found their next bullpen star—and possibly their long-term solution at closer.
As the season intensifies and the games grow tighter, New York is betting big on Beeter’s arm to carry them across the finish line.
