The New York Yankees have attempted to sure-up the starting pitching rotation this offseason with James Paxton, the Mariners’ ace. General manager Brian Cashman also retained J.A. Happ to ensure the Yankees didn’t lose any pieces that weren’t able to be replaced. Happ is a solid starting pitcher than can contribute to a winning season. He was 7-0 down the stretch after coming to New York.
The Yankees were reportedly interested in Andrew Miller is a relief options, but on Friday he signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. David Robertson is also on the target list, with other teams in the mix for his signature. One of which is supposedly the Boston Red Sox.
Who should be the priority for the New York Yankees?
The essential relief pitcher the Yankees should be focusing on is Zach Britton, who stated he’d definitely be interested in re-signing. Ultimately, the decision for Britton will likely come down to money, who signed on a one-year, $12 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles but was traded to the Yankees during the 2018 season. He finished the year with a 2.88 ERA, well below his career average of 3.21.
Phillies, Yankees among lead teams on Zach Britton. Those 2 teams vying over another ex Oriole as well.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2018
Britton would likely slide right into the 7th=8th inning role, alongside Dellin Batances. He was effective in that position – setting up Aroldis Chapman to close out the game and earn the save. Teams might be looking to bring on the veteran pitcher to be a potential closer, which would earn him more lucrative deal.
Both Batances and Chapman will become free agents in 2019, which makes the signing of Britton that much more enticing.