Yankees News: Yankees Add Jared Burton

Bullpen depth is important. Teams burn through guys and there always seems to be a few guys who end up getting on the shuttle between AAA and the majors every year. The Yankees are going to need a strong pen this year considering the questions surrounding the starting rotation.

The Yankees added to that depth Monday, when they added former Twins righty reliever Jared Burton to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Burton went 3-5 with a 4.36 ERA in 68 games. In 64 innings, he only struck out 46, but gave up only 58 hits.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

Burton spent the last three seasons on the Twins after breaking in with the Cincinnati Reds.

Burton, when at his best, is a ground ball pitcher. 2012 was his best season with the Twins, posting his lowest ERA, WHIP and FIP in his career. That year he was at a 48% ground ball rate. That number dropped to 38% last year and it didn’t go so well.

With the Yankees infield defense, having a ground ball pitcher as a reliever wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. The Yankees could be one of the best defensive teams in the game this year and that should help Burton should he make the roster.

Keep an eye on him throughout the Spring.

Next: McCann Taking On The Shift

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)