What Will A Week In San Diego Bring The Yankees?

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Will The Yankees Overpay For Something They Have Plenty Of?

The front page story over the past several weeks is whether or not the Yankees and closer David Robertson will settle their differences and come to an agreement on a new contract. The heir to the Sandman, Robertson had a solid first year as a closer, but he might be on the greedy side, looking for “Papelbon money”, meaning he wants in excess of $50 million for his new deal. That is a tough pill to swallow for the Yankees for a couple of reasons. #1. He’s only been a closer for one season. #2. Closers simply aren’t worth that kind of money and #3. Dellin Betances.

The Houston Astros and now the Chicago White Sox appear to be leading the pack for D-Rob’s services. The Yankees offered the righty a qualifying offer, but he declined the one-year, $15.3 million deal to hit the open market. Unfortunately for the Yankees, if either team signs Robertson, their draft pick is protected due to being a top 10 selection. The Yankees instead, would get a sandwich pick at the end of the first round.

The Yankees by signing Andrew Miller, trading for Justin Wilson, and having super prospect Jacob Lindgren along with Betances, they could have one of the best bullpens in all of baseball. Why add $50 mil more to the payroll for a guy who is good, but not great? Take the draft pick, save the money, and wish him the best. The Yankees had to face the same issues after the 1996 season when John Wetteland took the money from Texas and left the closer’s role to an unproven Mariano Rivera. Worked out okay didn’t it?

Prediction: Robertson will sign with the Astros for 4-year, and $50 million…and get dealt within 2 seasons to a contender when Houston doesn’t contend and they don’t want to pay that deal.