Yankees Editorial: Yankees Trade Value 30-26

Aug 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Esmil Rogers (53) throws during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

27. P Esmil Rogers

Can he start? Yes. Can he relieve? Yes. He’s pretty cheap as well, though he’s also out of options.

The Yankees acquired him off waivers last July 31 and he pitched to a  2-0 with a 4.68 ERA, and a 4.17 FIP. He struck out 23 in 25 innings, but gave up 22 hits and 13 runs.

Rogers comes in this spring as one of the candidates for the fifth starter/swingman spot in the rotation. Cheap right-handed arms who can start and relieve are nice to have, especially ones that throw hard.

The Yankees could eventually find out Rogers trade value sooner rather than later. Rogers is out of options, so if the Yankees try and send him down, they could lose him for nothing on waivers. I have a feeling he makes the roster in some sort of capacity.

Rogers can eat innings and be a valuable part of the front end of the bullpen.