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?

TheNew York Yankeeshave bolstered the rotation this offseason with the acquisition ofJames 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 haveofficiallybrought backJ.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 withLuis Severino,James Paxton,Masahiro Tanaka, Happ, andCC Sabathia.

Let’s not forget, players such asJordan Montgomery(due to Tommy John Surgery) andJonathan Loaisigawaiting to be called upon (as well asSonny 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 onWednesday, the point of interest I am talking about is the bullpen.

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

FromGoose Gossage,Dave Righetti, andSparky LyletoMariano 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 closerAroldis Chapman,Dellin Betances,Chad Green, and the now-reliableJonathan Holder.

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

The Yankees need to fill the void left byDavid RobertsonandZach 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 Ottavinoshould be, andhas 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 havechecked inonAaron Loup, andalsoJoakim 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.

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