Dellin Betances is one piece of a lethal bullpen for the New York Yankees and it looks like he wants to stay in the Bronx a little longer.
The New York Yankees and Dellin Betances have begun negotiations for a contract extension according to a report from MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Proud papa Dellin Betances has arrived in #Yankees camp. He said that his agent has had extension talks with Brian Cashman and added, “I love New York.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 18, 2019
While addressing the media for the first time this season, Betances reiterated how his preference is to remain in New York. The Yankees should more than welcome that idea.
Last season was a bounce-back year for the dominant 30-year-old reliever. His 2.70 ERA was the best he’s seen since he posted a 1.50 ERA during his sophomore campaign back in 2015. To go along with that success, Betances struck out 115 batters last year, making him the first pitcher to strike out 100 batters as a reliever in five consecutive seasons in baseball history.
Aside from those historic numbers, Betances posts an 11.6 WAR for his career becoming one of the most, if not the most, important piece in that Yankee bullpen.
Betances and the Yankees avoided arbitration this season after a nasty hearing two years ago. The ideal scenario for the Yankees and the right-handed reliever would be to get a deal done before the season starts to keep this bullpen intact for at least the next three years.
Entering this season, the Yankees have a bullpen to be reckoned with. Led by Betances, and the newly added Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino, New York has basically shortened games to as early as the fourth inning should it ever require that. Not only is the game shortened, but manager Aaron Boone has plenty of options to go to when needed.
Along with extending Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hicks, the Bronx Bombers top priority needs to be keeping this core intact. Extending Betances does just that and should be an absolute no brainer.
