Not only will the Yankees have to fill the vacancies created by the potential loss of free-agent relievers David Robertson and Zach Britton, there is a possibility the talented duo could land in their blood rivals’ bullpen.
When asked about Robertson, who has a house in Rhode Island, landing a three-year deal with Boston, a person with knowledge of the situation replied, “The Red Sox are in for less.’’
Which means the World Series champions are waiting to see if Robertson’s best offers will be for one or two years. And Britton, who will turn 31 on Dec. 22, could be looked upon by the Red Sox as their closer should Craig Kimbrel leave via free agency.
After the Red Sox ended the Yankees’ season in four ALDS games, Britton hinted the winning culture in The Bronx was appealing to him and didn’t close the door on a return to the team he joined at the July 31 trade deadline from the Orioles. He appeared in 25 games for the Yankees and posted a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings.
Closer Aroldis Chapman can opt out of a contract following the 2019 season and had tendinitis in his left knee that put him on the disabled list from Aug. 22-Sept. 19 this past season. So, the Yankees could bring Britton back as insurance against Chapman leaving two years and $35.4 million to chase more years and dollars. However, until an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery limited him to a total of 41 games this past season, Britton was among the best big league closers and there are several teams who still view the left-hander as an elite closer. From 2014 to 2016, Britton saved 120 games.
So what can the Yankees do if Robertson and Britton don’t return? And how does the possibility of Dellin Betances leaving as a free agent following the 2019 season impact this winter’s decision?
Could the Yankees sign free agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to be rotation insurance and work out of the bullpen until an injury or ineffectiveness forces a move with a starter?
Right-hander Adam Ottavino, formerly of the Rockies, is on the Yankees’ radar as is former Yankee Andrew Miller, who pitched for the Indians in the final two months of 2016 and the past two seasons.
A second reunion with Robertson is cloudy. In his first stab at free agency, when the right-hander was 29, the Yankees allowed him to flee for the White Sox and a four-year deal worth $46 million. Now, Robertson will turn 34 in April.
And there was his role as chairman in a very disturbing postseason shares meeting that was annoying on several levels of the Yankees’ organization. But remember, all teams crave talent while often ignoring the warts and Robertson certainly performed well in 2018 when he went 8-3 with a 3.23 ERA and fanned 91 in 69 ²/₃ innings in 69 games. That was the most appearances by Robertson since 2013, when he worked 70 games for the Yankees.
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