New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball for a good chunk of the season.
Through June 9, Holmes held a 1.23 ERA and he was 19 for 22 on save opportunities. Holmes opened the season on a streak of 20 consecutive scoreless innings before surrendering his first run of the year. And then everything fell apart.
From June 10 to the end of the season, Holmes made 37 appearances and posted a 4.81 ERA. He would finish the regular season with 30 saves on 43 opportunities.
For those keeping track at home, that means that after June 9, Holmes would finish the year 11 for his last 21 save opportunities, good for just over 50%.
New York needs to replace him and there's no shortage of options. Luke Weaver stepped up in his place last year, but let's assume it shifts Weaver back into the late-inning role and looks for a traditional closer to acquire this winter.
RHP Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers
The Yankees are aggressively pursuing bullpen help this winter and rumors have swirled that Milwaukee Brewers reliever Devin Williams could be on the trade block. Williams would be a perfect fit in the Bronx if he's made available.
Milwaukee's closer has been one of the best arms in the game for the length of his big-league career posting ERAs of 1.25, 1.53, 1.93, 2.50, and 0.33 over the last five years, respectively.
The issue here is that I don't find it too likely Williams will be moved. Because of that, it would be best for New York to look at other options over him.
LHP Tanner Scott, Free agency
Tanner Scott, formerly of the San Diego Padres and the Miami Marlins, is the top relief arm in free agency this winter. He was tremendous last season with both the Padres and the Marlins.
The issue here is his price. Spotrac projects him to land a four-year deal worth nearly $70 million. Money isn't usually an issue for the Yankees, but as they're looking to commit $600 million-plus to Juan Soto, they may be better off letting another team give Scott $17.5 million a year.
RHP Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals
While the last two were great pitchers who would look incredible in pinstripes, we move on to the two more likely options if the Yankees can pull it off. The first one being St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
St. Louis is expected to begin its rebuild this winter which includes trading away some of its top talent. Helsley is the most likely to be dealt, though he may not be moved until Scott signs in free agency.
Helsley led the league with 49 saves last year despite being on a Cardinals team that wasn't a postseason contender. His triple-digit fastball and filthy slider combination make him a force to be reckoned with. It would cost quite the prospect haul to bring him in, but it would save New York money in free agency.
RHP Blake Treinen, Free agency
As we move on from trade candidates and dive back into free agency, there are plenty of veteran options to pick from. How about the Los Angeles Dodgers closer that New York saw to end its season?
Right-hander Blake Treinen is entering free agency at the age of 36, but he still has a lot left in the tank. The righty posted a sub-2.00 ERA with a 1.4 WAR last regular season.
He's only projected to land a one or two-year contract worth about $10 million to $12 million per season. I'm sure the Yankees faithful would be okay with paying him that, as long as they don't have to see Holmes try to close games down in the Bronx anymore.
More MLB: Blockbuster Offseason Trade Would Send White Sox Ace To Phillies
English (US) ·