Oct 5, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (left) visits the mound to talk to starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) during a stop in play against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning in game two of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees have started the offseason active, but there’s plenty of work left to be done with players like Brett Gardner and Dellin Betances waiting in the wings. Reports have indicated that Gardner is a likely retention candidate while Betances could be on his way out, as GM Brian Cashman can’t spend every last dollar he has before the season even begins.
However, there are several free agents that still make sense for the Bombers, one of them being catcher Martin Maldonado.
Mark Feinsand: The Yankees have interest in C Martin Maldonado, per source. Interesting stats to consider: Maldonado caught Gerrit Cole 10 times in 2019 – and Cole had a 1.57 ERA and .471 opponent OPS in those starts, his lowest numbers with any of Houston’s catchers last season.
Regarding Betances, the Yankees have an interest in retaining him on a one-year deal, but his price-tag might be too steep considering the hefty cost of Gerrit Cole and the expected agreement with Gardner. Manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake could elect to stick with Zack Britton as their primary relief arm, especially since Betances missed all of 2019, and the Yankees still had one of the best bullpens in baseball.
On the Gardner front, a contract is expected within the next few days; it would be ludicrous to let him go anywhere else, considering his familiarity with the organization and ability to supplement injuries.
This post was published on 2019-12-12 10:05
