The New York Yankees are finalizing their bullpen with the last few additions before the off-season ends. As a matter of fact, the Bronx Bombers have done quite a fair job this off-season. They tried to build a roster strong enough to compete for the championship they are awaiting for 13 long years. Moreover, the Yankee front office did not hesitate to spend bucketloads in a quest to acquire and even retain the best ones.
In the latest move, the Yankees have retained more players from their previous season’s existing roster. For instance, the Bombers re-signed pitcher from Oakland Athletics, Frankie Montas, in a one-year deal. Along with him, Kyle Higashioka made his way back with the Yankees as he, too, signed a one-year contract with the club.
Frankie Montas Re-Sign With The Yankees To Avoid Arbitration
New York Yankees traded Frankie Montas from Oakland Athletics last season. Moreover, his trade was considered monumental for the Bombers owing to his performance with the Athletics. However, Montas’ time with the Yankees has not been a cakewalk. After featuring in just eight disappointing games, Montas went down with a recurring shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the season. However, he did return for the ALCS but could not perform up to his reputation.
Meanwhile, Frankie’s deal with the Yankees ended this season. Moreover, his deadline was about to end this Friday. However, in a move to avoid arbitration, Frankie Montas decided to continue with the Yanks for one more season. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Bronx Bomber has signed a one-year extension contract with Montas worth $7.5 million. As a result, Montas will pitch for the Yankees for one more season, if healthy, of course.
Kyle Higashioka Reinstated By The Yankees
In another move to avoid arbitration, the New York Yankees went ahead and reinstated the catcher, Kyle Higashioka. Kyle, too signed a one-year extension deal worth $1.46 million with the Bombers. Unlike Frankie Montas, Kyle had a fair last season. In 2022, the 32-year-old maintained a batting average of .227. Moreover, he hit 10 home runs and 31 RBI in the entire season. Hence, his retention would surely benefit the Yanks in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers have focused a little more on the pitching lineup this off-season. In a major move, they acquired Carlos Rodon for a gigantic six-year deal worth $162 million. The southpaw will play a perfect partner to Gerrit Cole in the pitching division. Moreover, the addition of Frankie Montas has further strengthened the Yanks’ pitching bullpen. Furthermore, the Yankee manager, Aaron Boone, has shown a lot of faith in the pitching rotation and termed them capable of producing something special in the upcoming season.
