New York Yankees Rumors: Five impact relief options that are still available
By Paul Ashley
As the front office of the Yankees has shown an unwillingness to provide lengthy contracts to this point in the offseason, a former Orioles reliever may fit their short-term contract preference.
Brad Brach had a rough start to the regular season last year as he pitched to a 4.85 ERA and a 4.01 FIP through 42 relief appearances. During this time, he allowed 50 hits and 19 walks in 39.0 innings pitched which resulted in a dreadful 1.769 WHIP.
Although these numbers are not as impressive as the 2.61 ERA, 3.40 FIP, and 1.133 WHIP he put together through his first 179 career appearances with the Orioles, he definitely boosted his overall stock following a midseason trade to the Atlanta Braves. Through 27 appearances with the Braves, Brach compiled an impressive 1.52 ERA, 3.12 FIP, and 1.310 WHIP.
This late season performance improved his overall numbers to a 3.59 ERA, a 3.67 FIP, and a 1.596 WHIP through 69 appearances. As these numbers are not the elite numbers he has put up in the past, he may prefer to sign a short-term contract in order to rebuild his stock before returning to free agency once again.
Due to this, it makes sense for Brach to seek a one or two-year deal with a contending team. As MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Brach will sign a two-year, $12.0 million contract this offseason, the Yankees should take a chance on the All-Star reliever with plenty of successful late inning experience within the American League East division.