Dellin Betances‘ Future in Pinstripes
Let’s just say the front office, or one individual by the name of Randy Levine, created this problem. After a messy arbitration case, the Yankees’ president took it upon himself to bash one of the game’s best relief arms and his representatives.
Given that Dellin Betances, who has been nothing short of superb in each of his last three seasons with the club, will once again fall short of everyday reps as a big league closer, his future outlook with the team could not be more clear.
When the man hits free agency in 2020, he is as good as gone. Even if Levine decides it’s time to mend old wounds, a flamethrower with the effectiveness of a Betances should not be spending his career setting up Aroldis Chapman.
What Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner need to decide is whether, depending on the team’s state of contention, the right-hander is best served in the Bronx. There is certainly no doubting the value New York would receive for the perennial all-star, who is dynamite in virtually every big-time situation.
This may not be a problem that waves its hand in the Yankees’ face early in the campaign, but the conversation will be had. Besides, as an organization, it is far better to know where situations like these stand sooner rather than later.
