The New York Yankees haven’t backed down from pursuing multiple top free-agent options this offseason and having already secured Gerrit Cole on a nine-year, $324 million deal; you’d expect GM Brian Cashman to begin shying away from high priced targets.
Immediately after Cole was signed, the Bomers solidified a new contract with veteran outfielder Brett Gardner, bringing him back for a 13th season. He nearly doubled his 2019 commitment, as he will earn $12.5 million with a 2021 option for $10 million. Gardner had a career-best 2019 in several categories, including home runs (28) and RBIs (74).
Nonetheless, the Yankees have reportedly been interested in relief option Josh Hader, retaining Dellin Betances, and even check in on Madison Bumgarner, despite having already signed the best pitcher in baseball.
It’s possible the Yankees unload a few big pitching contracts, like J.A. Happ, to open up more salary-cap space.
Here are your latest New York Yankees rumors:
YES Network: Josh Hader would be a nice addition to the Yankees bullpen, says @JackCurryYES
MLB Network: The #Yankees are reportedly pursuing #Brewers reliever Josh Hader. @Ken_Rosenthal
Dan Federico: Heard from a source earlier that the Mets are pushing hard for a one year contract with Dellin Betances. Yankees still have interest. @ByKristieAckert says it’s unlikely he returns to the Bronx
The Official Simonetti Source: The #Yankees have kept engaged with representatives for Madison #Bumgarner even after the #Cole signing.
Letting Betances walk in free agency might be in the best interest of the New York Yankees, considering he missed all of 2019 with shoulder injuries and then a torn Achilles. On a one-year deal, Betances might be over-priced, and manager Aaron Boone managed well with the pitchers he had in the bullpen.
Supplementing his loss with an option like Josh Hader would undoubtedly give the bullpen a sizeable boost, but they could also let him walk an rely on youth options like Michael King and Deivi Garcia.