Spending has not been a for the New York Yankees this season. The team actively went after several players who were available in the market. Thanks to their efforts, the Yankees have assembled a strong-looking 40-man roster for the upcoming season of the championship. But they are not done yet. Recently, the team has also brought back Matt Black in Pinstripe Blues.
The Yankees Bring Back Matt Blake!
It didn\’t have the same level of excitement that Carlos Rodon or Aaron Judge\’s signings had. However, this week saw the formal announcement of another key move by the Yankees, the rehiring of pitching coach Matt Blake on a fresh three-year deal. The esteemed Blake\’s contract was up following the most recent campaign. He had stated earlier in the year that he wished to explore other options at least. But he will now return to the Yankees\’ dugout.
Matt Blake spoke during the press conference that the Yankees organized to introduce Carlos Rodon. Blake stated that he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Yankees. However, he feels that his work with the team is not done yet, as there is a lot more he wants to do for the franchise. He is sure that the experience he\’s learned over the last three seasons will help him in the future.
Blake worked as a scout for the Yankees in the early 2010s, coached high school baseball in 2015, and then joined the Cleveland Guardians system as a minor league pitching coach in 2016. Over the following four seasons, he developed a reputation as an analytical prodigy. He received a promotion to director of player development following the 2019 season.
The Cape Cod League was the only professional-level pitching coaching experience Blake had before being hired out of the Cleveland organization. Blake recognized on Thursday that the Yankees had made a different choice in hiring him initially. And general manager Brian Cashman noted that it was unquestionably a risk. However, he thought Blake\’s pitching expertise and interpersonal abilities would fit the job well, and it worked well.
After the Dodgers and Astros in terms of team ERA in the majors last year, the Yankees came in third with a 3.30 mark. Blake has been given credit for maximizing the performance of some underappreciated bullpen pitchers, including Clay Holmes and Wandy Peralta. And for helping Nestor Cortes develop into a Cy Young contender.
By designating right-hander Junior Fernandez and left-hander Lucas Luetge for assignment this week to make room on the 40-man roster for Judge and Rodon, the Yankees lost two alternatives for their bullpen. This summer, the pen has remained a focus, and more weapons are probably on the way. The Yankees had exhausted their minor league alternatives when they acquired Fernandez and Luetge off waivers from the Pirates last month. This implies that waivers would be required before sending them to minors.