Major League Baseball is almost upon us as pitchers and catchers report next week and Spring Training games begin later this month. The New York Yankees are entering the 2020 season with a huge addition, Gerrit Cole, but also lost a couple to free agency this offseason. Dellin Betances was one of those players lost during free agency when the Yankees decided not to shop him.
Despite not being picked up by the Yankees which would’ve been his ninth year with the franchise, Betances has nothing but love and appreciation for the team.
“I just wanted to say Thank You to the New York Yankees for allowing me to live out my dream as a professional baseball player. The past 14 years of my career have created memories and milestones that I will never forget. I want to thank all my teammates, coaches and staff members – you are family, and I love you guys. To the Yankees fans, thank you for all your support throughout the years, you made me a better player and a better competitor and I will always be grateful for my time as a New York Yankee.”
Betances missed all of last season except for two innings when he injured his Achilles. During his tenure wearing pinstripes, Betances made himself one of the best relievers in baseball. He posted a 2.36 ERA with 621 strikeouts in 381.2 innings pitched with the Yankees. During that time, he was selected to four All-Star games and finished third for Rookie of the Year and 14th in the Cy Young voting in 2015.