New York Yankees News: Two Players Options Decided Upon

New York Yankees News: The Yankees had two options for players decided earlier this week, as Brendan Ryan elected to pick up his player option, while the team decided against picking up the one for reliever Andrew Bailey.

The New York Yankees had a surprising run to the postseason in 2015, playing at home in the Wild Card game, but ultimately losing to the Houston Astros. Despite that loss, the Yankees had a lot to be happy about during a regular season that saw them battle numerous injuries to veterans, and other players not play up to expectations. There is some work to be done to continue improving that team, and those steps got started earlier this week.

The first part of the MLB offseason process is figuring out the options that players have. Two of those have been decided for the Yankees, as decisions have come regarding the options of middle infielder Brendan Ryan and relief pitcher Andrew Bailey.

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Ryan had a player option for $1 million dollars for the 2016 season, and he chose to pick that up. It will be a pretty big paycut for Ryan, as he made $2 million with the Yankees last season. But, at the same time, it was a no-brainier for the backup middle infielder. There is no guarantee that he would have gotten anything more than a spring training invite this offseason, so he at least got himself some guaranteed money for the year. By picking up his option, he will now receive that money whether or not the Yankees hold onto him for next season.

Ryan hit only. .229 with the Yankees in 2015, appearing in only 47 games and taking 96 at-bats. He was plagued by injuries once again, eventually losing his job as the left-handed platoon option to Rob Refsnyder by the end of the season. He is a slick fielder, so there is a chance he is held onto for that. But, if he has to receive major playing time for the Yankees or any team in 2016 for that matter, it most likely means something has gone terribly wrong.

Bailey is someone that everyone can find themselves rooting for. After being named an All-Star as a closer for the Oakland Athletics his first two seasons in the major leagues, and winning Rookie of the Year in 2009, Bailey fell on hard times. Injuries plagued him beginning in 2012. He first had reconstructive surgery on his right thumb in 2012, and had a disastrous season once returning.

He was able to get things back on track in 2013, but then suffered another catastrophic injury. He injured his shoulder, and it was revealed that he torn his labrum and capsule. He did not make it back to the major league level until 2015 with the Yankees, and the results were not positive.

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Bailey made 10 appearances with the Yankees this past season, pitching 8 2/3 innings with an ERA of 8.31. The flier the Yankees took proved to not work out, as the Yankees declined to pick up Bailey’s option, and he chose to become a free agent. He is free to sign with any team, but could also return to the Yankees if he so chooses on a lesser contract.

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