New York Yankees: 5 left-handed relievers team could target in free agency

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 18: Chasen Shreve (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 18: Chasen Shreve (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 24: Mike Minor (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 24: Mike Minor (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Mike Minor

After years of being a middling starting pitcher, Mike Minor missed 2015 and 2016 with a left rotator cuff injury and left shoulder surgery. When he came back in 2017, Minor became a reliever and the results were career changing.

Minor threw 77.2 innings in 65 relief appearances for the Kansas City Royals and posted a 2.55 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 88 batters and picked up 17 holds and six saves.

Minor was dominant against left-handed hitters in 2017. Lefties hit just .163/.228/.196 against Minor. He also did not allow a home run to a left-handed hitter in 92 at-bats.

Injury concerns have to be seriously considered when it comes to Mike Minor. However, Minor’s 77.2 innings of work in 2017 are encouraging.

Minor made $4 million last year and will likely make something in the $5-$6 million range on his next contract. Adding Mike Minor could make the New York Yankees bullpen the most complete relief corps in baseball.