For a couple of days now, the New York Yankees have been connected with left-handed bullpen arm Justin Wilson. Robert Murray of Fansided was the one who reported the negotiations over the weekend.
Monday came, and the Yankees and Wilson haven’t yet agreed to a deal. However, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Bombers ‘appear to be moving toward a deal with Justin Wilson.’
Heyman indicates that the New York Mets were showing interest a few days ago “but it seems likely he’s heading across the Triboro Bridge, back to the Yankees.”
Wilson actually pitched for the Yankees five years ago. Over his career, he has very good numbers: In 429 1â„3 innings, he has a great 9.94 K/9, 3.27 ERA, and 3.34 FIP.
The Yankees would be getting another late-inning option
The Yankees want a reliever that doesn’t have a platoon split, meaning that isn’t particularly weaker against lefties or righties. Wilson doesn’t have that problem, as he can get batters of both hands out: righties have a career .284 wOBA against him, and lefties have a .291 mark.
If Wilson and the Yankees do finish the details for a reunion, the Bombers would put the cherry on top of a very nice offseason that saw them address the starting rotation with Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon; the relief corps with Darren O’Day, and the bench with left-handed bat Jay Bruce.
When Wilson was with the Yankees back in 2015, he was solid: the southpaw notched a 3.10 ERA and a 2.69 FIP in 61 frames. His 9.74 K/9 and a 2.95 BB/9 were proofs of his dominance.
It looks like a signing could become official in the next few hours, and if it does, Wilson would join a great unit that already has Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Chad Green O’Day, Luis Cessa, Jonathan Loaisiga, Nick Nelson, Albert Abreu, Brooks Kriske, Michael King, and others.