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Three Yankees Relievers Set to Break Out in 2017

By Evan Halpine-Berger

Sep 21, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Holder (65) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Holder (65) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ben Heller (61) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the twelfth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ben Heller (61) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the twelfth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Heller

The third piece in last summer’s Andrew Miller trade was the first to have an impact in the Bronx, making 10 appearances for the Yankees down the stretch. His overall numbers look pretty ugly thanks to a few big home runs allowed (three in seven innings. Yikes.), but Heller showed off some impressive stuff during his first stint in the big leagues.

Heller’s most obvious strength is that he throws gas. He sits 96-97 consistently with his heater but has been clocked at 100 mph. He can absolutely blow the ball by hitters when he needs to. The pitch also has some movement, running in on the hands of righty batters. Heller also throws a slider that is nothing special, but a quality MLB offering that will keep hitters from sitting on the fastball.

The 25-year-old broke out with a dominant performance in the upper-minors in 2016 after a subpar performance the previous year. He began the season with Double-A Akron, allowing just one run in 16.1 IP while striking out 23 before a promotion to Triple-A.

His success continued in the International League, putting up a 2.27 ERA while striking out 27.5% of the batters he faced in 31.2 IP split between Columbus and Scranton Wilkes-Barre.

While Heller’s control was an issue during his brief big league stint, if he can harness his overwhelming stuff in the big leagues next year, he is probably the best bet of all the Scranton Shuttle relievers to emerge as a late-inning complement to closer Dellin Betances.

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