With reliever Tommy Kahnle expected to miss all of the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the New York Yankees could use another high leverage pitcher. Here are three relievers that the Yankees could pursue this offseason.
Liam Hendricks
Hendricks, 31, has been arguably one of the best relievers in the league over the past few seasons. He pitched to the tune of a 1.80 ERA in 2019 and a 1.78 ERA in 2020. The Australian born right-hander punched-out 37 batters in 25.1 innings in 2020, picking up 14 saves and three wins.
Kirby Yates
Yates thrived for three years in San Diego before missing most of the 2020 season with an injury. He had a 3.72 ERA in 2017, and got his ERA down to a whopping 1.19 in 2019. Yates was an all-star for the first time in 2019 and even finished in the top-10 in CY Young award voting.
If Yates were to come to New York, it wouldn’t be his first time donning the pinstripes. He pitched 41 games for the Yankees in 2016 with a 5.23 ERA to his name.
Alex Colomé
Colomé has been one of the most consistent relievers in the MLB over the span of his career, but 2020 was undoubtedly his best season. He had a 0.81 ERA over 22.1 innings, punching out 16 and winning two games. In his eight year career, Colomé has only had three seasons with an ERA over three, and hasn’t had a season where his ERA climbed over four.
There are a handful of solid relievers that will hit the free-agent market this offseason. The Yankees could use any of these arms to help bolster their already solid bullpen.