Yankees: 2021 Free Agent Replacements for Zack Britton

2. Yankees Target: Dellin Betances

Dellin Betances could rejoin the New York Yankees following 2020.

Let’s let bygones be bygones, huh? Even if Zack Britton stays, the Yankees should probably bring back Dellin Betances anyway, provided he reestablishes his value in Flushing.

He was one sickeningly simple hop step away from continuing his excellent run with the Yankees down the stretch in 2019, entering the postseason out for blood as a ‘pen-lengthening weapon who hadn’t been with the 100-win team all year and completely changing their trajectory. Instead, when Adam Ottavino lost all control in October, Betances wasn’t there to take his place. He’d torn his Achilles in his only appearance of 2019, turning his fantastic comeback story into the saddest disaster yet.

But, in prime form, Betances is a perfect bridge weapon to the closer.

Does he provide that trademark Britton stability? Well, not necessarily. But while Britton excels at inducing contact on the ground, Betances usually makes sure the ball isn’t struck whatsoever. And the deeper the ‘pen the better for him — longer layoffs always seemed to be the only thing holding him back from posting 162-game streaks of dominance.

Bottom line: we’re on board with a return, whether it involves a Britton-less budget or not. The right-hander just makes the team better.