MLB Rumors: Ideal Braves fit, Yankees target a closer, Shane Bieber buzz
By Scott Rogust
MLB Rumors: Yankees could target AL Central closer, and it’s not Aroldis Chapman
The New York Yankees have overcome a slow start to the season and are right in the thick of the postseason hunt. But, they do have some work to do to bolster their bullpen. Specifically at closer.
Clay Holmes was meant to be the closer, especially after they moved on from Aroldis Chapman. But, Holmes struggled this season. With the AL East race going to be a tough one, the team needs to explore their options, with the trade deadline being their best bet.
ESPN’s Brandon Doolittle wrote about where all 30 teams stand less than two months away from the trade deadline (subscription required). When talking about the Yankees, Doolittle says the team is “almost always in add mode,” and mentions the bullpen and the team’s need for a closer. Doolittle mentioned Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks as an option while calling a reunion with Chapman “highly, highly, doubtful.”
“Meanwhile, the bullpen has been very good, but no one has established himself as a ninth-inning hammer, and that might be an area to look at. (Liam Hendriks? If the ChiSox are dealing, then sure. Aroldis Chapman? Highly, highly doubtful),” writes Doolittle.
Hendriks has shown in recent years that he is one of the top closers in the game, dating back to his time with the Oakland Athletics. Hendriks recently made his return this month after battling stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, he had just been placed on the 15-day injured list on June 11 due to right elbow inflammation.
In five appearances, Hendriks carries a 5.40 ERA, a 1.000 WHIP, and a 2-0 win-loss record, while recording three strikeouts and one walk in 5.0 innings.
As for Chapman being viewed as unlikely, that is understandable, considering he no-showed a mandatory workout and was subsequently taken off the team’s ALDS roster.