The New York Yankees poor run of form has seen them drop to second place in the American League East, three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, so it is imperative for the Yankees to look for alternatives outside the team to shore up their lineup.
The Bronx team is not looking for just any reinforcement, it is looking for a player with very specific characteristics: with preseason experience and accustomed to acting under pressure, and a veteran of the D-backs fits the profile perfectly.
The Yankees know that it’s not enough to get to October, you have to have pieces that respond when it matters most. That’s why, according to information from The Athletic’s insider Brendan Kuty, the ideal pitcher on the team’s radar would be right-hander Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Merrill Kelly wanted by the New York Yankees
Brendan Kuty has stated that the Yankees could be very close to acquiring the right-handed starter:
“Trading for Merrill Kelly would be a great move for Brian Cashman and his front office,” “The Yankees need someone who can start a postseason game,” explained Kuty
It’s not a flashy name, but it’s smart, durable and playoff-tested. It’s just what they need
Who is Merrill Kelly?
Kelly, 36, does not have the most resounding name in the market, but he does have the exact profile that teams with serious aspirations are looking for: effectiveness, control and experience under pressure.
- ERA 2024: 3.45
- WHIP: 1.11
- Strikeouts: 84 in 81.2 innings
- Opponent average: .216
- Postseason record: 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four games
Although his fastball is only around 92 mph, his command, mix of pitches and ability to induce swings and misses make him one of the most reliable arms in the National League.
The ideal reinforcement for the Yankees
In addition to his quality on the mound, Kelly would be a viable option financially: he is in the final year of his contract, which means he would not compromise the long-term budget, a key aspect given the Yankees‘ more conservative approach in recent years.
His story is also remarkable: after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 and never making his MLB debut, Kelly spent four years in Korea before signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019. Since then, he has pitched almost 1,000 innings with a career ERA of 3.76.
The Yankees have had a rotation plagued by injuries and inconsistencies this season, so they could find Merrill Kelly the perfect reinforcement. While he is not the dream reinforcement, his reliability makes him more than appetizing for any top team. A quiet but decisive reinforcement that can make the difference in a Division or Championship Series
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