The New York Yankees did not spend a single dime on a major-league free agent this offseason, but they did come very close to signing a reliever before a failed physical made the deal fall through.
Right-hander Tommy Hunter — who recently inked a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cleveland Indians — had agreed on a two-year deal between $11.5-12 million with the Yankees, but it ultimately fell through due to a failed physical, according to Joel Sherman of NYPost.com.
Hunter had core surgery last month, and likely won’t be ready to go by Opening Day. Instead of joining a Yankees’ bullpen that would feature dominant arms Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, and Aroldis Chapman behind him, Hunter now joins a Cleveland squad, where he will likely serve as a bridge to right-handed closer Cody Allen.
The 29-year-old right-hander’s $2 million deal with the Indians — instead of $5.75-6 million annually in the Bronx — includes $1 million in incentives.
Hunter split the 2015 season with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs, recording a 4.18 ERA (3.83 FIP) over 60.1 innings pitched in 58 games between the two clubs.
Leave a Reply