4.) J.A. Happ
Happ has a $17 million option for 2021, which would be activated if he reached 26 starts or 165 innings in a normal season. However, for a 60-game campaign, he would only need to start 10 games or play 61-1/3 innings to trigger the option. This could affect how the Yankees utilize him in 2020.
Considering Happ earned a 4.91 ERA with 34 home runs allowed is not convincing regarding his retention. I believe the Yankees will use them sparingly and try to utilize their strong bullpen instead. Owing him $17 million would be inefficient, as they could allocate that money toward Paxton or Tanaka alternatively.