New York Yankees Rumors: Five impact relief options that are still available
By Paul Ashley
With Chapman already in the fold, it is unlikely that the Yankees will be in the market for an elite relief option such as Kimbrel. Nonetheless, there are plenty of relief options with late game experience still available.
Kelvin Herrera had a phenomenal start to the regular season last year as he pitched to a 1.05 ERA and a 2.69 FIP through 27 relief appearances. During this time, he only allowed 19 hits and 2 walks in 25.2 innings pitched to compile an incredible 0.818 WHIP.
Unfortunately for Herrera, he did not pitch as well following a midseason trade to the Washington Nationals. Throughout 21 relief appearances in the National League last season, he compiled a 4.34 ERA, a 5.68 FIP, and a 1.714 WHIP. Although Brach was able to improve his stock down the stretch with a solid performance for his new team, Herrera unfortunately saw his stock decrease down the stretch.
Nonetheless, as Herrera compiled a 2.86 ERA, a 3.19 FIP, and a 1.150 WHIP between 2011 and 2017 for the Kansas City Royals, it makes plenty of sense to take a chance on the soon-to-be 29-year-old relief pitcher. MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Herrera will sign a one-year, $8.0 million contract this offseason and that is a very likely outcome as he looks to rebuild his stock.
With 22 games of postseason experience (1.26 ERA/1.081 WHIP) and 60 career saves already under his belt, he would fit in perfectly alongside Green and Betances during the late innings in the Bronx. As he will be extremely motivated to raise his stock and once again return to free agency prior to reaching 30-years-old, a pricy one-year contract for Herrera is a risk worth taking.