New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman took some heat after he didn’t make any moves before the July 31st trade deadline. After that date, teams can no longer trade for another player, however, teams can sign players to minor league contracts or sign free agents.
On Tuesday, Cashman was busy and the New York Yankees signed former All-Star free-agent Trevor Rosenthal to a minor league contract, per John Heyman of MLB network.
Rosenthal was designated for assignment earlier this season by the Detriot Tigers where after he decided to enter free agency. He began the 2019 season with the Washingon Nationals where he signed a one-year $6 million dollar deal (Spotrac). He racked up a 22.74 ERA in 12 appearances with the Nats and was released in June. Then picked up by the Detriot Tigers, Rosenthal posted a 7.00 ERA in ten appearances.
So… what’s he got?
Once one of the hardest throwing relief arms in the league, Rosenthal earned an All-Star spot in 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He runs his fastball up to the high 90s and flashes a curveball at around 87-88. He also uses a slider around 89-91 and a curveball from 80-83. This arsenal of pitches is perfect for what the Yankees look for in a relief pitcher.
Even though Rosenthal has been lousy recently, this was a good pickup from the Yankees. Hopefully, he’ll figure it out in the minor leagues and then be a useful arm in the bullpen heading into the postseason. We remember Chad Green’s awful start to the year, being sent down to triple-A and now being dominant for the Bombers. Hopefully, Rosenthal can do the same.