Yankees could get more out of familiar free agent target in 2024
As Spring Training draws ever closer, the Yankees will need to decide on whether they’ll add to their bullpen or not, and given the options on the market and the rumors of their interest, it seems like they will. Paying relievers can be controversial for the team given how well they produce reliever talent, but given the Yankees’ all-in approach this winter, it would be wise to add some insurance to their pitching staff and diversify the options available to manager Aaron Boone.
Keynan Middleton is a name of interest for the Bronx Bombers, according to Jack Curry, and he could be an excellent reunion candidate for the bullpen. The Yankees got more out of his arsenal after acquiring him at last year’s deadline, and they could convert a lowkey trade into a free-agent signing that proves valuable for the 2024 team.
How the Yankees Can Get Surplus Value From Keynan Middleton
When the Yankees acquired Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox, he came in with two big issues that they hoped to correct. He had a 9.8% Barrel Rate allowed before the trade, resulting in an ugly 1.73 HR/9 and 4.58 FIP, and being traded to the AL East has historically been suboptimal for pitchers who suffer from home run problems. The Yankees wouldn’t tweak anything in Middleton’s pitch shapes, not only is that difficult to do midseason, but the right-hander had a Whiff Rate above 30% on all three of his pitches.
Right-handed hitters presented the second issue against Middleton, and the tweak that the Yankees would make in his pitch usage would help to prevent damage contact as well as help against righties. Vertical deception plays extremely well against opposite-handed hitters, which is why Middleton was excellent against left-handed hitters, but it’s not as effective against righties, who posted a .371 OBP against him before going to the Yankees.
