3 next moves New York Yankees need to make after bringing Anthony Rizzo back
By Jake Oliver
3. A beautifully mustached late-inning reliever, Andrew Chafin, to the Yankees’ rescue
The Yankees bullpen self-destructed towards the end of the season and in the playoffs for the New York Yankees. They lost Scott Effross to Tommy John along with a litany of injuries to other bullpen arms. Plus, now Chapman and Zack Britton are free agents. Just like the Astros, Braves, and other recent World Series winners have used their bullpens to shut down playoff games and win, so do the Yankees.
That’s where Andrew Chafin comes into play. He’s become a strong left-handed reliever capable of closing out games or getting any hitter out in any situation. Chafin’s been an absolute stud, except for 2020, since 2017. Over that time frame, the lefty has thrown 289 innings over 375 games with 57 games finished, nine saves, 326 strikeouts, and only 107 walks.
Chafin has been a journeyman during that time period going from the DBacks, Cubs, Athletics, and finally Tigers. Now, he’s a free agent once again and will likely get a multi-year deal after another strong year. The 32-year-old reliever had a 2.83 ERA with three saves and 67 strikeouts in 57.1 innings for Detroit.
Signing Chafin would be the best way for the New York Yankees to replace Chapman or Britton. He’d give Aaron Boone another strong late-inning arm that is reliable and proven. Maybe then, Boone will call on the right arms in crucial situations.
Next. Yankees Execs talk about Aaron Judge. dark