After signing Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract, retaining players like Dellin Betances becomes a bit problematic. The bullpen arm is in search of a one-year deal after tearing his Achilles in September, and the Yankees are unlikely willing to part with the price-tag he’s currently seeking.
The estimated value for Betances is around $12-14 million for one season, as missing all of 2019 in a contract year was undoubtedly a setback. He will look to increase his value in 2020, which could give the Bombers leverage in retaining him for a lower price.
The Yankees would need a good deal to keep the relief arm:
However, after the Cole signing, general manager Brian Cashman is likely keeping his checkbook closed on deals over $8 million. Betances has received interest from other teams, notably the New York Mets, who are looking for a quality relief pitchers to supplement the loss of starter, Zack Wheeler.
SNY’s Andy Martino has a different twist on the story:
“We’ve talked a lot about Dellin Betances. Well look, my understanding right now is that there’s actually nothing really doing there anymore with the Mets and Dellin Betances, at least for now and possibly for good. Daniel Hudson is another guy they were linked to. I’m not getting a lot of energy there, so that tells you I think they’ll sign some relievers, but at that level and as close as they are to the luxury tax, with the Wacha deal, they’re like three million or so from the luxury tax, because you’d have to plan on it being 10 million for the number because it’s at the end of the year.
The last time Betances featured in a full-time role was in 2018. He logged a 2.70 ERA with 115 strikeouts and a 1.050 WHIP, his lowest mark since 2015. There’s no question Betances is a quality pitcher that can serve a bigger purpose in the MLB, considering his four straight All-Star appearances from 2014-17. Still, Achilles injuries are painful to return from, especially considering Dellin was initially diagnosed with shoulder ailments before the tear.
The Yankees would need to receive a great deal if they’re to retain Betances, but it’s looking like he can cash in elsewhere for one-year.