Upgrading the Yankees Bullpen

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As the 2015 World Champion Kansas City Royals proved, a good bullpen can take a team deep into the postseason. As we all so helplessly witnessed last season, the New York Yankees bullpen needs some work. Both Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances were virtually lights out for the majority of the season and the Yankees also received solid 2015 showings out of LHP Justin Wilson, RHP Adam Warren, and LHP Chasen Shreve. Outside of those 4 relievers, the Yankees bullpen was wildly inconsistent the entire season which left Miller and Betances with over strenuous workloads. With a lot of question marks in the Yankees bullpen, signing multiple relief pitchers with a strong track record will be imperative to their success heading into 2016. Let’s take a look at some of the arms that could help bolster the Yankees bullpen at a reasonable price tag.

RHP Jonathan Broxton
Broxton is a big right hander that boasts a fastball that sits in the mid-90’s. After getting off to a slow start with Milwaukee, Broxton rebounded with STL in the second half while posting a 2.66 ERA. A 10 year veteran with postseason experience, Jonathan Broxton would be a nice fit in a Yankees bullpen that lacks experience and consistency. If the price is right, Cashman should get Broxton on board.


RHP Darren O’Day
-        One of the filthiest relief pitchers in baseball, a guy like O’Day would give the Yankees a huge boost in their bullpen. Since entering the league in 2008, Darren O’Day has a WHIP of 1.01 and a 2.31 ERA. O’day is about as consistent as it gets out of the bullpen and although he warrants a lot of interest from around the league, the Yankees should be willing to give him the contract he wants. His submarine-style delivery would offer a different look out of the Yankee’s bullpen. If there was one specific relief pitcher on this year’s market that the Yankees should make every effort to go out and get, it’s O’Day.


LHP Tony Sipp
-        Here’s a guy that has really found success over the last two seasons. Sipp was a big part of the Astros success this past season with an ERA just under 2.00 and an opponent’s batting average of .208. Tony would be a good and affordable left handed acquisition to the bullpen. Adding Sipp would give the Yankees left handed depth in their bullpen to compliment Andrew Miller, Chasen Shreve, and Justin Wilson.


RHP Tommy Hunter
-        After solid 2013 and 2014 campaigns with the Baltimore Orioles, Tommy Hunter regressed in 2015. Although he broke into the league as a starting pitcher, Hunter was converted into a relief pitcher in 2013. Since making the switch, Tommy Hunter’s velocity climbed from the low 90’s all the way up to 97+ MPH and has even touched 100 MPH several times. Hunter should come with a relatively cheap price tag. Add that on top of that fact that he’s already pitched in the AL East for 2 ½ years, I think Tommy Hunter would be a low risk, high reward option in the Yankee’s bullpen.


Article by: Aaron Carroll
Follow me on twitter @Acarroll116
Follow the BBB on twitter @BronxBomberBlog

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