New York Yankees Linked to Superstar Closer in Free Agency
The New York Yankees had one of the most disappointing seasons in a long time after finishing 82-80, missing the playoffs and being fourth in the AL East.
This prompted general manager Brian Cashman to call this year a disaster. Ownership hired an analytics group to evaluate how things are done within their organization.
One way to get back some of their mojo is by spending for top-level talent in free agency.
Former MLB executive Jim Bowden thinks that the Yankees could make a move for superstar closer Josh Hader this offseason.
New York finished the year with the best bullpen ERA (3.34) in the MLB. However, two of their relievers are hitting free agency with both Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton expected to get lucrative deals.
For the Yankees to keep their relief staff elite like this past season, they should aggressively pursue Hader.
The lefty showed again why he is considered the best bullpen piece in the MLB, posting an ERA of 1.28 with 85 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings and 33 saves.
Hader reportedly wants to become the highest paid closer in the sport and Bowden thinks he'll become that. He projects a team to sign the left-hander to a three-year, $67 million deal.
This is something that New York should seriously explore.
Hader ranked in the 100th percentile of xBA and in the 99th percentile of both xERA and strikeout percentage. This would bring another level of dominance to their bullpen that was the best unit in the league during 2023.
If the Yankees are gong to spend, they need to spend it on the best talent available.
