4 budget free agents Yankees need to sign in 2021

3. Aaron Loup

The Yankees haven’t had a defined lefty in their ‘pen in a long, long time.

Somehow, the Yankees and Rays got through an entire five-game ALDS without Aaron Loup being used. Naturally, he immediately became an essential part of the Rays bullpen as soon as the Astros came to town. What is this?!

Loup is the type of lefty specialist the Yankees haven’t employed since the days of Boone Logan, and would immediately provide a different look for a Bombers bullpen that has become quite familiar. Perhaps the days of the big, looping lefty breaker aren’t over, despite the three-batter minimum? Both the Rays and Astros (Brooks Raley) had one. The Dodgers employ Adam Kolarek. This is quite a popular little trick, among the league’s elite. So why not the Yankees?

Loup, after a regressive tenure in Toronto, found his best stuff with the Rays in ’20 (didn’t everyone?), posting a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings. He’s yet to allow a postseason run in five appearances, totaling three innings.

Loup won’t cost a fortune (doy), will help fill a specific need, and has been quite effective in this shortened campaign. The Yanks would also be swiping from their rivals’ coffer. That is good! Do that more often! And maybe sign Charlie Morton, too, while you’re at it.