4 relievers Yankees should target this offseason (without breaking the bank)
This back end of the bullpen needs an infusion of talent.
By Adam Weinrib
Keynan Middleton, New York Yankees
If you think highly enough of Keynan Middleton to trade for him during a lost 2023 season, why wouldn't you also try to ink him to a reasonable contract at the close of the campaign?
Like most Yankees trade additions, he's already succumbed to a shoulder issue, joining Ian Hamilton on the list of late-season, non-serious injuries that'll still probably close the books on 2023. That makes it a successful year for the power-fastball-throwing right-hander, who exudes emotion on the mound after inducing swings and misses, whether it's the seventh inning or the fourth.
The Yankees should've learned plenty from this year's August/September slate. Randy Vásquez and Jhony Brito should certainly be considered bullpen options moving forward; Albert Abreu should not be. Tommy Kahnle can still be effective, but goodness gracious, he should not be allowed to inherit runners. Maybe build him up a bit better next year. And Middleton? He can really pitch. In limited time in the Bronx, the 29-year-old struck out 17 in 13.1 innings, allowing just five hits, one earned run, six walks, and no homers. That's a 2.06 FIP, but ... his 4.58 mark/1.349 WHIP in far more duty in Chicago earlier in the season should give other teams pause.
Middleton has bounced around enough that it shouldn't take more than a two-year commitment to secure him, even at this age. Maybe the Yankees can get away with one year, $5 million? 2023 was inspiring, but the track record isn't there. New York should look to secure a bargain here, especially after Middleton had such effusive praise for their ethos after coming over midseason (and such shade for the ChiSox).