With rumors surrounding the New York Yankees this offseason regarding who the team will target in free agency, the latest reporting suggests that pitching will be a need to address. As the Yankees look to bolster their team through free agency, this MLB insider has linked the team to a top relief pitcher on the market.
According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, New York is “interested in signing” reliever Adrian Morejon, who has played with the San Diego Padres since 2019 and is now a free agent.
Last season, Morejon recorded a 2.83 ERA with 107 strikeouts, a 1.08 WHIP, and a career-high 28 holds in 86 innings, but Castillo noted that they would pursue the reliever if David Bednar “ends up elsewhere,” though the waiting game could impact everything.
“The Yankees are interested in signing left-hander Adrian Morejon — the best free agent reliever — if Bednar ends up elsewhere,” Castillo continued. “Waiting for Bednar's decision, however, could hamper that pursuit. General manager Brian Cashman has avoided giving relievers big contracts in recent years, but he said this week that he's ‘not afraid to do it' should the opportunity surface.”
More on the Yankees' situation with David Bednar
Looking at the Yankees' situation with Bednar, the closer last season recorded a 2.47 ERA to go along with 76 strikeouts, a 1.04 WHIP, and 35 saves. Castillo says that New York is “waiting to see” if the veteran will sign the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer, as he has until Tuesday to do it, though a multiyear contract is still in question.
Article Continues Below“Bednar, 32, would undoubtedly garner a multiyear deal — with the Yankees or another club — if he declines the contract. But he could take it and hit free agency next winter without the weight of draft compensation hindering his market,” Castillo wrote.
At any rate, it remains to be seen if Bednar resigns with the Yankees or if the team loses him and the ball club gets Morejon, as the team looks to further improve after finishing with a 93-68 record, putting them second in the AL East. New York would be swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.