If the New York Yankees are ready to trade Dellin Betances, which teams have the best chance at acquiring him?
New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances is a rumored trade candidate for this upcoming offseason. It’s not because the Yankees are upset with his performance. Betances is simply far too valuable to pitch behind Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson. It’s time Betances finds a home where he can close.
Since joining the Yankees in 2014 on a full-time basis, Betances has dazzled fans and embarrassed big league hitters. He has been selected to four straight All-Star Games while striking out an unprecedented 100+ batters in each of those seasons as a relief pitcher. Although he was very wild in 2017 with 6.6 walks per nine, Betances did strike batters out at a rate of 15.1 per nine.
With Betances, the good is often terrific enough to make up for the bad.
It’s very unlikely the Yankees retain Betances beyond 2019. The 29-year-old should earn more than they want to pay him in free agency, possibly even earning a chance to close. And even though he has only 32 career saves and some shaky outings in the ninth inning, this guy surely has the stuff to earn another chance.
The question is, will Betances earn the opportunity as soon as 2018? It won’t happen if he stays in New York.
Since the Yankees could clearly improve their roster in the offseason, Betances could become the extra piece they sacrifice. If this happens, which teams might have the most interest?