Yankees Rumors: Zach Britton, Other Top Relievers On New York's Radar Before Manny Machado Meeting

The next notable move that the New York Yankees make in free agency will probably concern their bullpen. While signing Manny Machado or adding another starting pitcher could happen at some point this offseason, the team is currently focused on adding a top reliever.

New York has been linked to just about all the best available relievers that weren’t full-time closers in the 2018 MLB season. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has met with representatives for both Adam Ottavino and Andrew Miller, according to The New York Daily News.

The organization is interested in bringing back part of their bullpen that has hit free agency. New York is reportedly a contender to sign Zach Britton after acquiring him before the July 31 trade deadline. Another union between David Robertson and the Yankees is possible, though it doesn’t seem likely.

Craig Kimbrel will get the most money of any reliever in free agency. He’s seeking a six-year deal worth over $100 million, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark.

The players the Yankees are looking at won’t get nearly that type of money, but they’ve got a chance to be just as effective as Kimbrel in 2019. Ottavino is in high demand after posting a 2.43 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 77.2 innings for the Colorado Rockies last season. Before being placed in the DL multiple times in 2018, Miller had four straight years with an ERA no higher than 2.04. Britton is two years removed from having arguably the best season ever for a closer.

Britton had a 2.88 ERA in 25 regular-season innings with the Yankees. Miller had 200 strikeouts in 119.2 innings with New York from 2015-2016. Ottavino is from New York City.

None of those players can make the same kind of impact that Machado would by signing with New York, but it might be a while before we know much about the star infielder’s future. He’s expected to visit the Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox next week.

The Yankees are exploring trade options for Sonny Gray. He will almost certainly be dealt at some point, and New York could potentially use any minor leaguers they get in return for Gray to acquire a top starting pitcher.