New York Yankees Rumors: Five impact relief options that are still available
By Paul Ashley
After the New York Yankees successfully reset their luxury tax penalties last season, they were expected to spend a large amount of money this offseason. Although they have been able to re-sign three veteran players and trade for an impact starting pitcher, the organization has otherwise been relatively quiet.
To this point, the New York Yankees have dished out a one-year $7.50 million contract to Brett Gardner, a one-year $8.00 million contract to CC Sabathia, and a two-year $34.00 million contract to J.A. Happ with an option for a third season. Despite missing out on chances to add either Patrick Corbin or Nathan Eovaldi to the starting rotation next season, general manager Brian Cashman was still able to acquire James Paxton in trade with the Seattle Mariners.
Although the organization has been able to add three starting pitchers this offseason, they have not yet addressed their bullpen. Even though the Yankees inattention to reinforcing the bullpen is likely a result of focusing most of their recent time and effort on luring Manny Machado to the Bronx, the bullpen is a vital component of the team that should not be overlooked.
The Yankees currently have a great bullpen core already put together with Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green, Dellin Betances, and Jonathan Holder under team control for next season. However, as the organization needed to ship out three prospects to acquire Zach Britton from the Baltimore Orioles last July due to health questions regarding Chapman, it is important to proactively strengthen the bullpen as solid options are currently available through free agency.
As the organization has seen the depth of its farm system dwindle due to numerous promotions and trades, it makes sense to think ahead in order to strengthen the bullpen with the current free agent class to avoid surrendering additional prospects down the road. Despite Andrew Miller, Joe Kelly, Joakim Soria, and Jeurys Familia already out of the free agent market, there are still plenty of solid relief options available. The following relievers are five potential options for the Yankees.