New York Yankees hope to find another bullpen bargain

The New York Yankees have done a tremendous job of finding bargains for their bullpen for the 2022 campaign. Between later round draft picks and underrated trades, Brian Cashman has somehow managed to build a juggernaut in the middle and later innings.

The Yankees may have found another piece to that puzzle. They signed former Pirates’ closer Richard Rodriguez to a minor league contract at the end of June and recently assigned him to their Florida Complex League squad.

New York Yankees giving Richard Rodriguez a chance

Rodriguez had been one of the better setup men in the game before getting his chance to close at the beginning of the 2021 campaign. He had posted a solid 2.82 ERA and a 0.835 WHiP in his 38.1 innings before being traded to the Braves where he was expected to be a key part of the back of their bullpen.

While Rodriguez had done a respectable job at limiting opponents during his time in Atlanta, posting a 3.12 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP in his 26 innings, he was hardly dominant. He struck out nine batters while issuing five walks and allowing six homers, leading the Braves to refuse to offer him arbitration at the end of the year. His subsequent suspension for a failed PED test then knocked him out for the first 80 games of the season, led to Rodriguez failing to receive any offers prior to signing with the Yankees.

All of that makes him the perfect signing for New York. He has essentially been forgotten about, relegated to the scrap heap despite his previous success. Should that happen, Rodriguez could be a longer term option as well, as he still has another two years of team control left before free agency.

The New York Yankees have signed Richard Rodriguez to a minor league deal. He could be yet another bargain in their bullpen.