As expected, the New York Yankees are still contemplating adding another relief pitcher to the bullpen. With the starting rotation flush with options, despite risky ones, the bullpen could use a bit more support after they traded away Adam Ottavino and Darren O’Day.
While the Yankees sent scouts to check out David Robertson during a bullpen session at the University of Alabama, it seems as if they are keen on signing former New York Met, Justin Wilson. At 33 years old, Wilson has spent the last nine years in the MLB, proving he can be an adequate option out of the bullpen. Last season with the Mets, he pitched 19.2 innings, earning a 3.66 ERA. The year prior, he recorded a 2.5 ERA with 10.15 strikeouts per nine. His 51% ground ball rate matches up well with Yankee stadium.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports the “Yankees appear to be moving toward a deal with Justin Wilson. Mets were showing interest a few days ago, but it seems likely he’s heading across the Triboro Bridge, back to the Yankees.â€
Wilson will likely be a cost-efficient signing, who previously played with the Yankees back in 2015. During that lone season, he featured over 61 innings and posted a 3.10 ERA. His primary pitches are a fastball, cutter, slider, and the occasional curveball. He throws his fastball an average of 95.5 mph and cutter 91.2.
His addition to the bullpen would be positive, in my opinion, as position battles ensue during spring training. With just two days until the start of spring training and player’s report, getting a deal done now would be perfect timing for the Yankees to roll in stride.
One more positive that Wilson brings to the table is that he is a left-handed reliever, offering a bit of diversity to the bullpen. Since the Yanks opened up about $8 million with the Ottavino trade, I expect them to offer about $3 million per season to Wilson on a short-term deal.