The New York Yankees have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for two minor leaguers. Leiter, 33, whose family has a strong baseball legacy with ties to the Yankees, is known for his pitching prowess as a swing-and-miss specialist. Despite his sinker not being a high-velocity pitch, Leiter boasts impressive strikeout numbers, ranking among the top relievers in the league. His advanced statistics indicate that his current ERA may not truly reflect his pitching abilities, with expectations high for continued success following his return from injury in July.

Leiter's addition to the Yankees' bullpen comes as they aim to improve their pitching depth down the stretch of the season. The team has been actively seeking relief help and identified Leiter as a valuable asset to address their needs. With their bullpen ranking 22nd in ERA since June 1, the Yankees are banking on Leiter's performance to provide stability and effectiveness in crucial situations. All-Star closer Clay Holmes has faced recent struggles, further highlighting the importance of bolstering the bullpen with a reliable pitcher like Leiter.

In return for Leiter, the Cubs acquired two promising minor leaguers from the Yankees. Double-A shortstop Ben Cowles, who was batting .295 with nine home runs before being placed on the injured list, and Triple-A reliever Jack Neely, who has recorded an impressive 2.81 ERA while striking out nearly 15 batters per nine innings this season. The move adds depth to the Cubs' farm system while providing the Yankees with immediate reinforcement for their playoff push.

The trade with the Cubs marks the fifth prospect deal for the Yankees in recent days, following their trade with the Miami Marlins for Jazz Chisholm Jr. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees remain active in the market, leaving open the possibility of further deals before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.