The New York Yankees seem to have stabilized themselves after their six-game losing streak last week. Now in first place in the American League East, they can start looking toward the trade deadline and how they will set themselves up for the stretch run.

The Yankees' bullpen will be the team's primary focus, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

“They need bullpen [help] and that’s what they’re going to go for,” Heyman said in an appearance on MLB Network on Monday. “Their bullpen is pretty good. Eighth in the league, 3.46 ERA, not bad. But that is where their emphasis is going to be. Their focus will be on the pen no question about it.”

As Heyman said, the Yankees have a solid bullpen, even amid closer Devin Williams' struggles and Ryan Yarbrough's injury. But New York also has a track record of finding under-valued relievers and turning them into key contributors down the stretch.

Last year, the Yankees traded for Mark Leiter Jr. to add some swing-and-miss to their pen. Now with Fernando Cruz and Williams in tow, that's less of a concern. An additional arm or two, however, could mean bringing in another lefty to help out Tim Hill, or just additional insurance considering most of their prominent relievers are over 30.

Article Continues Below
More New York Yankees News
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after losing both cleats whole scoring a run and colliding with Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley (not pictured) during the second inning at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts to viral ‘sweaty’ shoeless momentColin Loughran ·
New York Yankees relief pitcher Ryan Yarbrough (33) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees pitching staff hit with another IL stintBenjamin Adducchio ·
New York Yankees right fielder Cody Bellinger (35) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) looks for a throw during the first inning at PNC Park.
MLB rumors: Yankees, Giants monitoring Pirates for tradeTroy Finnegan ·
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) reacts after leaving the game during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Brubaker
Yankees’ Clark Schmidt ‘can’t describe that feeling’ after shutting down OriolesZachary Howell ·
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) reacts to the hot weather during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. M
Yankees lose no-hitter 1 batter after Clarke Schmidt’s exitJordan Llanes ·
New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) and pitcher Luis Gil (81) before the first inning in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone drops Luis Gil injury timelineJosh Davis ·

Yankees could also seek a reunion with Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) throws Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) out at first base during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

In addition to the bullpen, the Yankees may look to upgrade at third base in an effort to keep Jazz Chisholm locked into second — no matter what they get out of DJ LeMahieu. Heyman suggested a reunion with former Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

“Probably as a utility guy they are looking at him, they are considering him. They looked at him last year. They love him personally,” Heyman said. “I think they’d prefer to see Jazz play more second base than third base.”

Kiner-Falefa played 255 games with the Yankees from 2022 to 2023 and was far from a fan favorite as his subpar bat (10 HR, .643 OPS) served as a constant reminder of the shortstops the team could have pursued in free agency instead. Now, however, he wouldn't be coming in as an everyday starter, just a utility player, which he is more than capable of being.