Veterans the New York Yankees could trade at next year’s deadline

Dellin Betances and Tyler Clippard

If there’s one thing you learned from the 2016 postseason it’s that relief pitching is the hottest commodity, even if the usage is an anomaly.

[sc name=”Yankees Link Related” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2016/12/17/new-york-yankees-2017s-bullpen-better-no-runs-dmc/” text=”2017’s bullpen may be better than ‘No-Runs DMC’” ]

Therefore, why not think about trading Dellin Betances or Tyler Clippard if teams will pay an arm and a leg for them (Cubs and Indians)?[sc name=”Dellin Betances Player Page” ]

Like last year, Yankees should attempt to shorten games with what is a well-built bullpen, assess where they are throughout the first half and sell one of the two aforementioned names if things aren’t going so well.

Betances has the most strikeouts among major league relievers since 2014 (392) while Clippard has the fifth-most since 2010 (591) and the most appearances in that same span.

While Clippard could garner interest, Dellin Betances would be a weapon any contending team  — notwithstanding his poor September — would crave to have on their postseason roster.

Depending what the team looks like at the deadline, an offer that knocks Cashman off his chair for a dominant reliever with team control until 2020 should at least be considered.

[sc name=”Yankees Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/12/22/veterans-new-york-yankees-trade-next-years-deadline/5″ text=”Masahiro Tanaka” ] [sc name=”Yankees Center” ]