The New York Yankees have been looking for pitching all off-season, but they don’t have significant money to spend on elite-level talent. To supplement their losses, general manager Brian Cashman has been looking toward injured players to fill voids, and that method has been productive in the past, specifically with James Paxton.
However, Cashman is taking the same approach toward their bullpen, landing former Yankee Adam Warren on a minor-league deal, according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.
The Yankees have signed RHP Adam Warren to a minor-league deal, source says. He’ll be ready to go right out of the gate. Had Tommy John surgery in September 2019.
— Brendan Kuty ???? (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 15, 2020
What are the New York Yankees getting with Adam Warren?
Warren last played for the Yankees in 2017, finishing the campaign with a 2.35 ERA. He earned a 43.7% ground ball rate and 8.48 strikeouts per nine, pitching in 57.1 innings.
However, Warren underwent Tommy John surgery this past year but will be ready for the start of the 2021 campaign, replacing Tommy Kahnle, who elected to test free agency this off-season. This should be a very cost-efficient deal for the Yankees, bringing back a familiar face who has performed well in the past.
The Bombers have struggled in the bullpen at times, especially with some of their more reliable arms, including Adam Ottavino and Chad Green.
Diving more into Warren, he tends to utilize his fastball, change up, and slider predominantly. He does mix in an occasional sinker and curveball. He hovers in the 92 mph range with his fastball, but that could take a minor dip after Tommy John. Nonetheless, this is a great sign in for the Yankees, who are looking to replace Kahnle and need to stay under the $210 million luxury tax threshold.