The Colorado Rockies bullpen underwent a massive change in 2024. After struggling for the past few seasons, the Rockies bullpen evolved in the latter months of 2024 thanks to an influx of young arms that swiftly turned the arm barn into one of the more exciting parts for the team. Still, reinforcements are always needed and the Rockies added to their depth by signing left-handed reliever Jefry Yan to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

Yan, 28, originally signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent, making his professional debut in 2014 in the Dominican Summer League. In 41 relief appearances through 2015, Yan accumulated a 6–3 record and 4.22 ERA with 43 strikeouts across 59 2⁄3 innings of work, including a 1.56 ERA in 26 games in 2015. Unfortunately, Yan underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016, missing the entirety of the season before being released before the rookie ball season in 2017.

Yan spent the next three years playing in unaffiliated ball before he was re-discovered and signed by the Miami Marlins in 2021. Yan had kept the baseball dream alive by playing for a men’s league in Arizona where his electric arm garnered him a minor league contract. He appeared in 21 total games out of the bullpen across two levels, accumulating a 2.61 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 31.0 innings of work between High-A and Double-A.

He returned to Double-A Pensacola for the 2022 season and made 38 appearances, pitching to a 2–4 record and 4.89 ERA with 88 strikeouts across 57.0 innings pitched. The following year he split time between Pensacola and the Triple–A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. In 49 relief appearances, he posted a 4.89 ERA with 102 strikeouts and 13 saves across 57.0 innings of work and was named a Southern League All–Star for his work as Pensacola’s closer during the year. Being so close to the big leagues finally and having a solid year in Double-A, Yan elected free agency following the 2023 season.

He made a stop in the Dominican Winter League, appearing in 19 games and recording a 3.84 ERA in 18 innings of work with 25 strikeouts against just five walks. Despite his recent body of work, Yan was unable to find a deal with an affiliated club and head to Japan to play with the  Saitama Seibu Lions on a one-year, $500,000 contract. Yan made 37 appearances for the Lions in 2024, compiling a 5.58 ERA with 35 strikeouts across 30 2⁄3 innings.

The Lions announced in October they wouldn’t be renewing Yan’s contract and he once again was a free agent. He headed back home to play in the DOWL, pitching to a 1.45 ERA in 22 appearances for Estrellas Orientales, striking out 24 and walking eight over that span.

The Rockies present a real opportunity for Yan to finally break through to the big leagues. The Rockies are adamant about acquiring depth and Yan presents a strong candidate to step into the bullpen at some point during the 2025 season. Their lefty department has been shallow over the years and Yan will certainly fit into the conversation with the likes of Luis Peralta, Lucas Gilbreath and Evan Justice.

What makes Yan so attractive is his strikeout ability. Through his six professional seasons, he owns a 1.99 SO/BB ratio. At times he has struggled with walks, but his strikeout numbers have always remained strong which can offset the issues of walks. Additionally, his flair on the mound and love for the game is displayed by his celebrations on the mound like the compilations he displayed with the Blue Wahoos.

The Rockies are reportedly looking to add an experienced arm to the bullpen for the coming season to pair with Tyler Kinley and what is shaping up to be mostly a young bullpen. Yan could surprise the team in spring training and force his way onto the roster, but the expectation for now is to start the year in Triple-A Albuquerque where he faces the challenge of pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Yan is yet another flavor of the typical moves fans can expect the Rockies to make the rest of the offseason as they try to figure out their roster moving forward amid their pseudo rebuild. Minor league deals and non-roster invitees will be all the rage for the team as it aims to keep its payroll under wraps and develop their players in 2025.