Yankees Release Jon Niese: Why It Makes Perfect Sense

The Yankees announced pitcher Jon Niese was released from the team. Given the bullpen strength so far, this makes perfect sense.

When the Yankees signed Jon Niese to a minor league deal just before Spring Training, the decision was seemingly low-risk. Niese, a southpaw, split time with both the Pirates and Mets last season before becoming a free agent. He struggled quite significantly last season with both teams, which is why he was only able to get a minor league deal out of the Yankees.

He continued to struggle in Spring Training. In 6 games, he has an ERA of 4.50 with just six innings pitched in those games. It was evident he was not going to make the cut as a starting pitcher, but it seems like he wasn’t going to make the Yankees’ bullpen either.

With the Yankees already having question marks in their starting rotation; it doesn’t make sense to add another question to the equation.

The Yankees’ pen has become rather deep with the likes of Betances, Chapman, and Clippard. It is clear that the current stats Niese boasts, he wasn’t going to make the cut. He was most likely set to play in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with the hope of maybe being called up. While he is a veteran presence, he would just be taking away the spot of a youngster needing to develop.

I’m glad the Yankees did not give him an actual contract because it would have blown up in their face. Niese simply does not have what it takes anymore to make even the bullpen, especially one as deep as the Yankees have.

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Even with the Yankees not having set #4 and #5 starter set in stone, Niese would still be a questionable option. Given he posted an 11.45 ERA in just 11 innings pitched with the Mets; it’s no surprise many teams gave a pass on him in the offseason. And, furthermore, disappointing in Spring Training.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman was wise not to give him a full deal, even though it would’ve been a cheap contract. It’s still one less contract the Yankees have to deal with on the books this season. It’s likely Niese will find work elsewhere, perhaps with a team that needs help with pitching.

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With the Yankees already having question marks in their starting rotation; it doesn’t make sense to add another question to the equation. It is almost certain they would turn to someone else if he continued struggling.

And, as stated before, they don’t need him in the bullpen at all. Of course, we wish Jon Niese the best of luck in his endeavors, but he’s not needed in New York.