Yankees: Should Dellin Betances reunion be considered if Mets let him go?
![WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: Dellin Betances #68 of the New York Mets pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fyanksgoyard-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2020-2F10-2F1277587636-850x560-e054f64d0b308b7da81f727e2b7cfa64.jpg)
The New York Yankees already seem to have their bullpen figured out, but welcoming an old friend back to town wouldn’t be the worst thing, now would it?
Ever since injuring his Achilles, Dellin Betances simply hasn’t been the same. It certainly didn’t help that he signed on with the crosstown New York Mets, which isn’t exactly a destination if you’re looking to rebound under the right circumstances.
Once again, 2020 did nobody any favors. That was Betances’ first year back after pretty much missing all of 2019. It didn’t go well. A 7.71 ERA and 2.06 WHIP in 15 games.
This spring? A 13.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in four innings of work.
And according to the latest buzz, he could very well be cut by the Mets as they look to re-work their bullpen and avoid the same issues they’ve endured the last few years.
Could that make for a reunion with the Yankees?
From @martinonyc's Mets Mailbag: Is Dellin Betances a lock to make the team? https://t.co/ewbdErnNm0 pic.twitter.com/1p1b1cVsA7
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2021
Here’s what SNY’s Andy Martino had to say about Betances’ situation with the Mets:
“I think you’ve asked the lowkey most interesting roster question of the spring. And the answer is, Dellin Betances is something less than a total lock to make the team.“Think of it this way: If the Mets don’t like what they see, it’s already a sunk cost. The team is trying to contend for a championship this year. The only question about Betances for them is, can he help us do that?'”
At this point, Betances could stand to benefit by working out his stuff in the minor leagues, and he’s very familiar with the Bombers’ system, where he spent eight seasons from 2006-2013.
The Yankees aren’t the greatest at reclamation projects, but this is someone who’s spent ample time with the organization and was atop his game (a four-time All-Star!) when he finally arrived at the show.
Though this new Yankees’ staff is completely different from the one Betances rose the ranks with, the organization can give him time to get back on track in the minors and could certainly get him ample innings at the MLB level when they need help/reinforcements if someone were to go down or needed rest.
A different problem for Dellin Betances, who allowed two runs today on a pair of hits (one a bloop, two-run single) and a HBP.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 16, 2021
A bad sign for the Mets: Betances' velocity is going backward. His four-seamer averaged 90.6 mph, down a couple ticks from earlier this spring.
He won’t be required to throw high-leverage innings. There won’t be any pressure for him to carve out a role for himself while he’s still trying to hone his pitch mix and improve upon his velocity. Plus, he’s about to be 33 years old. He’s not getting any younger and he might need the most favorable of situations to get back on track.
Could the Yankees offer that? Maybe. With all of the knowledgeable arms they have on the MLB roster, the right-hander could find his footing if he gets appearances here and there at the big league level.
For the Yanks? This could help continue building a pitching staff that’s looking fortified at every turn. And when you can help out one of your former guys, it certainly can’t hurt to extend the olive branch.