New York Yankees Rumors: Five impact relief options that are still available

Despite an expectation of the following pitcher being able to receive a three-year contract this offseason, it may be possible to secure him on a two-year guarantee with an option for a third season.

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Adam Ottavino is a native of New York that is currently a free agent for the first time in his career.  Although he put together an All-Star worthy season last year, his injury history alongside varying regular season and playoff results may prevent the reliever from receiving a three-year guarantee.

MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Ottavino will receive a three-year, $30.0 million contract this offseason, but the recent contract signed by Andrew Miller may be a better barometer for a contract.  Miller recently signed a two-year contract with a club option for a third year that could vest based on games pitched between the 2019-20 seasons and this could be the framework for a contract with Ottavino.

Despite a 4.24 ERA, a 3.51 FIP, and a 1.382 WHIP through 34.0 innings pitched last season, Miller compiled a stellar 2.01 ERA, a 2.10 FIP, and a 0.892 WHIP as a reliever in 332.0 innings pitched between 2012-2017.  On the flip side, Ottavino put together an impressive 2.43 ERA, a 2.74 FIP, and a 0.991 WHIP through 77.2 innings pitched last season while compiling a 3.65 ERA, a 3.59 FIP, and a 1.323 WHIP in 313.0 innings pitched between 2012-2017.

As these two veteran relievers have put together similar work loads and performances, a two-year contract with a club/vesting option for a third year now seems very likely for Ottavino this offseason.  The Yankees recently dished out a contract with this type of structure to Happ and it would greatly benefit the team to obtain Ottavino in this same manner.

To make his performance last season even more memorable, Ottavino struck out an incredible 112 batters in only 77.2 innings of work.  Dellin Betances (115), Edwin Diaz (124), and Josh Hader (143) were the only three relievers with more strikeouts last season.  As Green, Betances, and Chapman are known for their strikeout prowess, Ottavino would be a phenomenal addition for a team with their sights set on reaching the World Series next season.