New York Yankees: 5 left-handed relievers team could target in free agency
By Sean Dyer
Jake McGee
One of the bigger names on the relief market is Jake McGee. He spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays as a setup man and closer before working in a similar role with the Colorado Rockies the last two years.
McGee, like many pitchers, struggled pitching at Coors Field. He posted a 4.11 ERA during his time with Colorado. While McGee was in the Rays bullpen, however, he recorded a 2.77 ERA.
A return to the AL East could benefit McGee and he has experience getting outs in high-leverage situations due to his time as the closer of the Rays in 2014 and the Rockies in 2016.
The downside to McGee’s game is that he isn’t a true shutdown lefty. Over the last three seasons, left-handed hitters have actually hit better against McGee (.258) than right-handed hitters have (.236).
Jake McGee is the high-profile left-handed reliever on the free agent market. However, the New York Yankees need someone who can shut down lefties and McGee is not that kind of pitcher.