If the New York Yankees fail to recruit another starting pitcher, there is speculation that they may develop a supercharged bullpen.
They are interested in reuniting with Jordan Montgomery, but his price tag after winning the World Series is a factor.
Montgomery is a fine player who would surely help the rotation heading into the 2024 season, but his upside is limited and he’s 30 years old – in fact, he’s more likely to decline than improve after having his greatest season.
If the Yankees want to focus on bullpen games and sign a true star, they should consider Josh Hader. They would be wise to shun his services, however, because he is seeking a contract larger than Edwin Diaz’s, who received a five-year, $102 million deal. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Hader wants more than $20 million per season, and the Yankees may be able to sign Montgomery for a similar sum.
What Would Josh Hader Bring to the Yankees Theoretically
The 29-year-old reliever is coming off an outstanding season with the San Diego Padres, where he has two years in a row with an ERA under 1.30.
Over 56.1 innings in 2023, he had a 1.28 ERA with 13.58 strikeouts per nine, an 88.8% left-on-base rate, and a 35.5% ground ball rate. There’s no doubt about Hader’s ability; he’s a fantastic reliever who would add to the Yankees’ already strong bullpen. The truth is that they place so much value in guys who cost next to nothing that paying $20 million on a relief pitcher doesn’t seem cost effective.
Clay Holmes, for example, tossed 63 innings with a 2.86 ERA last season. That doesn’t even take into account Ian Hamilton, who is only 28 years old and is under control until 2029. Hamilton had a 2.64 ERA in 58 innings last year, despite his stuff deteriorating due to injury. Nonetheless, the Yankees see value where other clubs don’t, and splurging on a pitcher who hasn’t pitched more than 60 innings since 2019 is a gamble.
The Yankees are multiple starting pitchers and a lot of luck away from a title, not an excellent bullpen arm. If the Yankees are going to spend money, they should sign Montgomery and try to trade for another starter to round out the rotation.
The idea after general manager Brian Cashman moved a substantial number of depth pieces and starter Michael King is to strengthen the pitching unit overall, but the rotation should take precedence over the bullpen for the time being.
