New York Yankees: Could Dellin Betances become a trade chip?

The New York Yankees made an impact trade for bullpen pieces earlier in the week. Could this lead them to make another trade using a different bullpen piece?

When the New York Yankees make a trade, it’s usually from a position of strength. That’s what GM Brian Cashman likes to do. They dealt Blake Rutherford and Tito Polo as a part of their deal with the Chicago White Sox earlier in the week. Why? Because they have Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier and Dustin Fowler among others. They included Ian Clarkin in the deal because they have Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield and some other options.

In the deal with the White Sox, they brought back David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to form an absolute monster bullpen with Aroldis Chapman, Adam Warren, Chad Green and Dellin Betances. This is now a position of huge strength.

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Which is why the Yankees may deal from it to pick up a starting pitcher they need. Whether it’s now or in the off-season.

Robertson is set to make big money in the final year of his contract. Chapman isn’t going anywhere. Warren and Kahnle are arbitration eligible.

So is Betances and he is the most interesting case. Why?

Well, remember in the off-season when Randy Levine and Betances butted heads after their arbitration hearing? You think either party really wants to deal with that again?

Betances will be a free agent after the 2019 season, where he will be entering his age 32 season.  Even though he has struggled with his command this year, he’s still among the best relief pitchers in the game, and would be the closer on most teams.

The New York Yankees could capitalize on that asset. Any team would be interested in acquiring him and the Yankees could use him to get a young, controllable starter and other pieces.

Well, maybe it happens a little sooner.

Next: Breaking Down the Yankees/White Sox Trade

If the New York Yankees deal Betances, I think it will be more of an off-season move when teams will market more of their roster, rather than at the trade deadline. The Yankees will still have a loaded bullpen, even if you take Betances away.

However, do not be shocked if Betances is wearing another uniform come opening day 2018.