The New York Yankees have a few holes that could be filled in middle relief. Dellin Betances is their top target, but here are three other pitchers that the team should consider:
Cody Allen
The last two seasons for Cody Allen have been sub-par, but he’s a high risk, high reward talent. He had an ERA of over six with the Angels in 2019, and an ERA near five with the Indians in 2018. But, he was completely dominant in the six seasons before.
With new pitching coach Matt Blake, he may be able to help Allen diagnose his problems and get him back to his old self. It’s really strange seeing a player nosedive like that.
Steve Cishek
Steve Cishek is one of the more underrated relievers in the MLB. The sidewinder had a sub-three ERA in 2019, and his career ERA is also under three. He had a 1.8 WAR in 2019 with a 4-6 record. Cishek is a high usage pitcher, throwing in 70 games in 2019.
His sidearm release could provide the Yankees some more versatility and strength in the middle innings.
Ryan Buchter
Ryan Butcher had the opportunity to elect free agency earlier this offseason, and did so. With a sub three ERA in 2019, Butcher is also one of the more underrated arms in the MLB. He’s bounced around a bit throughout his career, but spent his last two seasons with the Oakland Athletics.
Butcher is another lefty that the Yankees could use in the bullpen, giving even more of a balance between lefties and righties.