Yankees: 2 bullpen arms Cashman could be targeting as Spring Training nears

Sep 17, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Justin Wilson (38) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees arenâ€™t done making moves yet, as GM Brian Cashman has reportedly been scouring the market for another bullpen arm. While they did trade Adam Ottavino to the Boston Red Sox and lost Tommy Kahnle to the Dodgers in free agency, the only addition theyâ€™ve made is Darren Oâ€™Day, formally of the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles.

While O’Day is a good bullpen pitcher, they could use a bit more support via the free agency market. Of course, thereâ€™s always the possibility that Cashman strikes a trade with another team, but as spring training becomes reality on February 17, he might want to get his roster in shape before that start date.

Two bullpens arms the Yankees could target:

1.) Justin Wilson

One solid option is Justin Wilson, who spent the last two years with the New York Mets, so making the transition to the Yankees would be quite simple. This past season, he finished with a 3.66 ERA over 19.2 innings. Two years ago, he logged a 2.54 ERA over 39 innings, finishing with 10.15 strikeouts per nine. The reason I chose Wilson as a potential option for the Bombers is because heâ€™s a lefty pitcher. Adding a bit of diversity to the bullpen would be beneficial, and he also has good velocity with his fastball. Throwing his FA almost 60% of the time, he averaged 95 mph in 2020.

The Yankees generally like pitchers with velocity, and he fits the bill well. He also sprinkles in a cutter and occasional slider. Wilson will give them a lefty do utilize, and I donâ€™t expect he would be overly pricey.

2.) David Robertson

One pitcher that would be cost-efficient is David Robertson, who most are likely familiar with. Robertson spent seven seasons with the Yankees between 2008 and 2014. At 35 years old, he might sign a low one-year deal that the Yankees can capitalize on. He didnâ€™t pitch in 2020, with his most recent sample size coming in 2019, when he earned a 5.40 ERA.

Cashman has invested heavily in players recovering from injury/having not played in over a year. With Roberts missing this past season, they donâ€™t have much to work off of, but heâ€™s been productive in the past, and if the Yankees can bring him back on a cheap contract, he could be a situation filler or decent depth piece.