The New York Yankees were blessed to see relief pitcher Dellin Betances return to the mound during the regular season. After one outing against the Toronto Blue Jays in September, he tore his left Achilles tendon after an awkward step. This followed a 24-week spell on IR after lat and shoulder issues.
The 6-foot-8 flamethrower was sorely missed in the postseason, as the Yankees bullpen struggled down the stretch. Having him readily available might have given the Bombers the push they needed to get past the Houston Astros in the ALCS. Of course, the reality of his presence might have been different.
After virtually missing the entire 2019 season, the Yankees have to decide on whether to re-sign him and inject him back into the bullpen, or they can take their money and allocate it towards a free agent option.
If Betances had remained healthy and been dominant, he would likely be in line to earn one of the most significant relief contracts in baseball, similar to Arolid Chapman’s recent extension. The Yankees tacked on another year to Chapman’s previous two-year deal worth $30 million. He’s now signed on a three-year, $48 million deal, a nice payday for one of the game’s best closers.
Why a deal with the Yankees makes sense for Dellin:
Betances will need another shot at a contract year before signing a multi-year deal. The Yankees bringing him back for one-year makes the most sense, and it won’t be costly considering his health concerns. Entering free-agency without the leverage of positive play and momentum will force Dellin’s hand, benefitting the Yankees and their ever progression bullpen.
A torn Achilles can be challenging to come back from, considering the amount of time off it entails. Returning to the Yanks would be ideal, and the familiarity with both parties makes the reunion even more likely. Betances could earn somewhere in the $10 million range, give or take, next season on a one-year deal.
Having him in a relief role for the postseason would give the Yankees a big boost, but ensuring he’s 100% healthy should be the priority.
EXTRA:
From 2014 to 2018 (five seasons) these were Betances’ rankings among relievers (PinstripeAlley):
- Third in K/9 (14.63)
- Eight in ERA (2.22)
- Fourth in FIP (2.26)
- Third in xFIP (2.28)
- Second in fWAR (11.2)
- Second in holds (117)
- First in innings pitched (373.1 IP)
- First in strikeouts (607)
- Fourth in K% (40.3)
- Sixth in SIERA (2.17)
- Eighth-lowest contact percentage (65.5)