New York Yankees: After filling out rotation, is Adam Ottavino, fixing bullpen next?

The New York Yankees have solidified their rotation by bringing back J.A. Happ, but is getting a reliever like Adam Ottavino and fixing the bullpen next?

The New York Yankees have bolstered the rotation this offseason with the acquisition of James Paxton, and the resigning of J.A. Happ, but it might be the signing of Adam Ottavino or a few bullpen arms that ices the cake.

So, it may have taken longer than expected, but the New York Yankees have officially brought back J.A. Happ.

The 36-year-old southpaw quickly became a fan favorite, and he will continue to rep the number 34 in pinstripes.

Happ inked a two-year, $34 million deal with a vesting option for a third season.

With Happ returning, the rotation is set with Luis Severino, James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, Happ, and CC Sabathia.

Let’s not forget, players such as Jordan Montgomery (due to Tommy John Surgery) and Jonathan Loaisiga waiting to be called upon (as well as Sonny Gray, for the time being).

With the rotation filled out, what is the Yankees next step? Manny Machado, right?

Well, while they are meeting with Manny on Wednesday, the point of interest I am talking about is the bullpen.

The Yankees have prided themselves on having dominant relievers throughout their rich history.

From Goose Gossage, Dave Righetti, and Sparky Lyle to Mariano Rivera, the Yankees have always had dominant bullpen arms, and this coming season will be no different.

As of now, the returning priority members of the Yankees bullpen are closer Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, Chad Green, and the now-reliable Jonathan Holder.

Alongside them, there are players along the lines of Tommy Kahnle, A.J. Cole, Luis Cessa, Stephen Tarpley, Chance Adams, and Domingo German, all of which pitched out of the bullpen last year, some more than others.

The Yankees need to fill the void left by David Robertson and Zach Britton, who are both set to depart as free agents who are both looking for teams where they can serve as closers.

There wouldn’t be much shock if Tarpley makes the Opening Day roster, which means there are two open spots in the bullpen.

Adam Ottavino should be, and has been, a major target for the Yankees.

The Bronx native had a breakout season with the Rockies and would be a force to be reckoned with in New York, where his stats would be deflated without the Colorado altitude.

Also, the Yankees have checked in on Aaron Loup, and also Joakim Soria, both solid mid-inning relievers. There is also a slight chance that Loaisiga, Cole, Kahnle, or German makes the team.

The Yankees have already bolstered the rotation and are making a pitch to one of the biggest free agents in recent memory, but the bullpen is also a major point of interest for the Yankees to maintain success in.