The New York Yankees have around $10 million to spend before hitting the luxury tax threshold, set at $210 million. They need one or two relievers, especially after trading Adam Ottavino to the Boston Red Sox; and they could also use a left-handed bat for their bench.
The big fish relievers in free agency are now gone, after Liam Hendriks signed with the Chicago White Sox, Brad Hand with th Washington Nationals, and Archie Bradley with the Philadelphia Phillies. But there is still talent left! Trevor Rosenthal remains unsigned, as do Aaron Loup, Andrew Chafin, Roberto Osuna, Tyler Clippard, Mark Melancon, Yusmeiro Petit, and others.
One option that could make a lot of sense for the Yankees is Justin Wilson. The veteran left-handed showed in 2019 that he still has it: he had a 3.66 ERA and a 3.04 FIP in 19.2 frames, with a fine 26.7 strikeout percentage.
Wilson is no stranger to pitching under the bright lights of New York, as he had a one-year stint with the Yankees back in 2015 and had been with the Mets in 2019 and 2020. With the Yanks, he put up a 3.10 ERA with an even better 2.69 FIP six years ago.
The Yankees are looking for a consistent reliever
In 429 1/3 career frames, Wilson has a 3.27 ERA and a 3.34 FIP. He has been very consistent throughout his nine-year tenure in MLB, except for a couple of blips with his control every once in a while.
For what the Yankees currently need, which is an impact reliever or two, Wilson can fit right in both on the roster and in the budget. He should command around four or five million per year.
The Yankees, thankfully, have lots of options to fill their bullpen, as some names are available. Could they set up a reunion with Wilson, given the success the marriage had in 2015?