New York Yankees: Possible Dellin Betances Trade Destinations

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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?

Arizona Diamondbacks

One of the major weaknesses the Arizona Diamondbacks faced this season was in the closer’s role. Veteran Fernando Rodney didn’t exactly hold down the fort like he did in his younger days. To make sure they have a better chance next year, it might make sense for the Diamondbacks to target Betances.

The window of winning baseball is closing out in Arizona. Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock, and others aren’t going to stick around for ever. There’s also a chance they decide to trade Zack Greinke before his contract is through. I doubt they are ready to give up this quickly after winning 93 games in a division with three playoff teams.

Add a lockdown closer to the Diamondbacks in 2017 and the team is nearly complete. Although Betances isn’t exactly Mariano Rivera, he is an improvement on Rodney and many other Diamondbacks relievers.

The best bullpen arm the Diamondbacks had in 2017 was Archie Bradley. It’s doubtful he moves to the closer role. His ability to pitch multiple innings each night makes him far more valuable as a middle reliever with setup opportunities. Betances is capable of doing the same, but maybe it’s time someone starts using him one frame at a time.

Before Betances reaches free agency after the 2019 season, he and his agent will surely like to see what he can do as a closer. Saves equal millions of dollars. The Diamondbacks are one franchise that can hand him plenty in 2018.

Chicago Cubs

If Wade Davis leaves the Chicago Cubs they will need to again search for a closer. Is Betances the answer?

The Cubs won the 2016 World Series thanks to Betances’ current teammate, Aroldis Chapman. They nearly got there again in 2017 with Davis earning the last three outs. Next year, with Davis probably getting a really big payday, the Cubs will need to again choose who they trust most in the ninth inning. Betances looks like a really good fit for a team that should compete for at least a few more seasons.

One thing to note about the Cubs is that they haven’t paid big money for a closer. Sure, they traded Gleyber Torres for Chapman and rightfully sent Jorge Soler to the Kansas City Royals for a year of Davis. The consistent fact remains, they aren’t going into free agency in this search.

Betances would fit right in with the Cubs. He has the playoff experience they desire and the talent to match. His age and contract complement the rest of the core well.

The Cubs’ biggest need this offseason is in the starting rotation. Due to this, Betances may become an afterthought. Regardless, he’s a name that the Yankees should shop and a team like the Cubs should pine over.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies struck gold when they took a chance on Greg Holland. Even though his abilities faded as the season progressed, it was a great signing. Without him, the Rockies may not have returned to the postseason.

Unfortunately, Holland knows he’s a talented pitcher. So, he has decided to opt out and pursue other opportunities in a new uniform. This leaves the Rockies without a closer next year.

It will be a challenge to convince any free agent pitcher to sign in Colorado. Rather than sell snake oil or hire a hypnotist, the Rockies can only acquire a valuable ninth inning arm through trade. While they could go the same route they did with Holland and take a risk on someone, this team is too talented to not go after a more serious candidate such as Betances.

Betances does have a chance to succeed in Colorado. His high strikeout rate would help keep balls from leaving the yard. His ERA would surely jump, but maybe not to that great of an excess.

The Rockies have plenty of players that could interest the Yankees. An overflowing pool of position players, including several in the minor leagues, helps the Rockies in any potential deal they could put on paper in an attempt to acquire Betances.

St. Louis Cardinals

More from Call to the Pen

Yet another team in desperate need for a closer in 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t going to enter the 2018 season with a half-hearted roster in place. Rumors of them dealing for Josh Donaldson and others will continue to swirl until everyone has a new home. Thus far, their search for a closer has been relatively quiet. One can assume they already know who it is they want.

The beauty of the Cardinals is that they have several rebound players on the roster. Randal Grichuk might not fit into the Yankees’ plans, but paired with another young talent, a deal could evolve. Perhaps Stephen Piscotty and his ability to play the corner outfield and first base would intrigue the Yankees more.

Seung-hwan Oh’s departure and Tommy John Surgery for Trevor Rosenthal drastically limit the internal options the Cardinals could go with. Eager to return to the postseason, I can definitely see them going after Betances with all their might.

Next: Kyle Schwarber trade destinations

The pitching staff is a major weakness for the Cardinals. Now that they will probably lose Lance Lynn to free agency, the focus may go toward building the rotation rather than securing a closer. Whichever it is they favor, expect the Cardinals to let the rest of the 29 MLB teams know they are prepared to make a deal.

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