New York Yankees: 5 left-handed relievers team could target in free agency
By Sean Dyer
Tony Watson
Tony Watson has been very effective over the last three years and has been equally difficult to hit against from both sides of the plate.
Watson spent the first five seasons of his career as a setup man for the Pittsburgh Pirates before becoming the closer for a season and a half and then was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Watson has a 2.75 ERA over the last three seasons and has 30 career saves. From 2015-17, lefties hit .230 against Watson and righties hit .234.
With closer and high-leverage situation experience, Watson fits in with the theme of the New York Yankees bullpen. He would be another arm the next Yankees manager could use at any time.
Watson will likely sign for $6-$8 million. This could be too pricey for the Yankees but with Masahiro Tanaka opting in, they don’t have to spend big on a free agent starter.
If New York can move a contract or two (possibly Jacoby Ellsbury or Starlin Castro), they could spend some of the savings on Tony Watson.